Leeds United look on course to retain their Premier League status next season, barring an unforeseen downturn in form.
The Whites currently sit six points clear of the relegation zone, with just six games remaining in the campaign.
Daniel Farke and his squad deserve immense credit, especially when considering how newly promoted teams have fared in the top-flight over the last couple of years.
United’s remarkable campaign has attracted the attention of a football expert, who has praised Farke for the job he has done so far in West Yorkshire this season.
Daniel Farke has Leeds punching above their weight, per a football expert
With Noah Okafor scoring twice as Leeds stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, neutrals were forced to take note of the Whites.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Football Ramble podcast, host Marcus Speller was quick to point out the phenomenal job Farke has done at Elland Road this season, especially with the sides Leeds have found themselves competing against this season.
“They spent just over £100million last summer, which for a Premier League club is not an enormous amount of money, it’s not peanuts, of course. But if you’re looking at the squads around them, Spurs, West Ham and Forest, all of those squads you would take over Leeds’.
“I don’t think they’re going to finish above Newcastle. I think 15th will be as good as it gets, but my goodness, if they finished 15th, even 17th (it would be a great achievement). I’m so pleased for Daniel Farke, he was on the verge of getting sacked, now he’s on the verge of keeping them up.”
On top of thriving in the league, Farke has also managed to get Leeds competing on multiple fronts, with United squaring off against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final later this month in what could end up being a season that supporters will never forget.
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Data confirms that Leeds are punching above their weight
Whilst Leeds were able to attract quality players such as Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Elland Road with the Whites offering Premier League football, the value of the squads they are in direct competition with is significantly higher.
According to Transfermarkt, the total value of Leeds’ squad is worth around £301.3million, which is lower than West Ham, Spurs and Nottingham Forest.
- Tottenham’s squad has a value of around £698.4million
- West Ham also have a more valuable squad than their relegation rivals, with the Hammers’ squad being valued at around £315.9million
- Forest also have more resources at their disposal than Leeds, with a squad said to be worth around £494.4million
The fact that Farke has Leeds in a higher league position than all of these aforementioned sides is a testament to the good work the German has done this season, with Farke being forced to adapt in a way many doubted he could.
Now, you would not put it past him to be the man to establish Leeds in the top flight even further next season if he is backed in the summer by the 49ers.
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