WHY OMIT HIM? Here’s Leeds United BEST XI so far This Season and Some KEY Players Were OMMITTED to the Surprise of Many….

Leeds United’s Strongest XI: Ampadu and Gruev Shine in Midfield

As the Championship season reaches its midpoint, Leeds United’s impressive campaign continues to garner attention. Daniel Farke’s side sits just two points off the top, with several players delivering standout performances.

MOT Leeds News assesses the Whites’ strongest starting lineup, based on the first 15 matches. Despite criticism, Illan Meslier retains his spot in goal, having done more good than harm this season.

The defensive partnership of Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo has been arguably the Championship’s best full-back duo. Firpo’s four-goal contributions and Bogle’s consistency earn them a place in the starting XI.

Central defenders Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have been instrumental in Leeds’ promotion push, providing stability and shutting down opposition attacks.

In midfield, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev form a formidable duo. Ampadu’s impressive seven appearances, despite injury, demonstrate his top-level Championship midfield credentials. Gruev, meanwhile, has excelled in his eight league outings.

Notable omissions include Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe. However, Brenden Aaronson’s resurgence, with five-goal contributions, secures the 10 role. Willy Gnonto, arguably the division’s best player on his day, retains his spot, alongside Largie Ramazani, who continues to threaten opposition defenses.

Mateo Joseph leads the line, having demonstrated his credentials as Leeds’ top striker. His nine starts have yielded two goals and three assists, outshining Patrick Bamford.

Leeds United’s strongest XI:

Meslier; Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Firpo; Ampadu, Gruev; Ramazani, Aaronson, Gnonto; Joseph

Key Points:

• Illan Meslier retains goalkeeping spot despite criticism
• Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo form Championship’s best full-back partnership
• Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev shine in midfield
• Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe omitted from strongest XI
• Mateo Joseph leads the line, outshining Patrick Bamford
• Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani provide width and threat in attack