Leeds United’s January transfer window looks to be heating up, but unfortunately for supporters, there seems to be more of a focus on those leaving than on any potential players joining.
Harry Gray is one of the players on the brink of leaving Elland Road in January, with Gray being shipped out on loan to Rotherham in search of senior first-team football to aid his development.
Willy Gnonto is another player has been linked with a move away, with the Italian attracting the interest of multiple of the big hitters in Serie A.
However, while Gnonto’s potential departure may be met with some disappointment from Leeds supporters, Jack Harrison’s proposed loan move to Fiorentina is a direct contrast, even if it means that Daniel Farke’s reliance on one member of his squad in particular will increase further.
Gabriel Gudmundsson arguably now Leeds’ most important player as Jack Harrison transfer news emerges
Gudmundsson, 26, has featured in all 21 of United’s Premier League games so far, with 20 0f them being starts, emphasising just how important the Swedish international is to Farke’s system, especially since Leeds switched to playing three at the back.
However, with Harrison on the verge of leaving West Yorkshire for a third time, Gudmundsson will be the only natural left-footer who can play as a wing-back, making it all the more vital that Gudmundsson remains injury-free for the rest of the campaign.
Whilst Harrison was never going to start in place of Gudmundsson, he was likely the next in line to play in that position should he get injured, especially with James Justin covering on the other flank for the injured Jayden Bogle.
Whilst Justin is more than capable of slotting in on the left side of the Leeds defence, it is unreasonable to expect him to be able to provide cover two positions simultaneously for a full season, and the thought of Sam Byram starting at left-wing back in the Premier League will send shivers down supporters’ spines.
Data suggests Gabriel Gudmundsson has only improved since joining Leeds
With Gudmundsson playing in the Champions League last season, as well as being a part of a Lille side that finished 5th in Ligue 1, naturally, fans had high expectations of their new defender once he arrived at Elland Road over the summer.
Since then, it’s fair to say Gudmundsson has gone from strength to strength, handling the transition to the Premier League seamlessly so far, with the data supporting this fact.
(Credit: DataMB)
According to stats courtesy of DataMB, virtually every aspect of Gudmundsson’s game has improved since joining United, except for his ball carrying, which can be attributed to Leeds being a less dominant side than Lille was last season, and the aerial duels won percentage.
Given the lack of left-footed players who can play his position in the current makeup of the Leeds squad, particularly with Harrison’s looming departure, Gudmundsson is arguably the player Leeds cannot afford to get injured the most.
