Jayden Bogle was one of the key cogs in the Leeds United team that dominated the Championship and earned promotion to the Premier League. However, there were suggestions that his defensive frailties could get exposed in the top flight, and that was the biggest question mark around him going into the 2025/26 season.
Leeds signed Bogle from Sheffield United last year, and Chris Wilder made it clear that he didn’t agree with the Blades’ decision to sell one of his top defenders to a direct promotion rival.
With the Whites losing Archie Gray to Tottenham, Leeds brought in Bogle to solve their problems at right-back, and he wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s team sheets every week when fit and available.
His ability to provide an attacking threat worked as Leeds were the best team in the Championship, but there were doubts about whether he had the defensive game to excel in the Premier League once the Whites got promoted.
Bogle has resoundingly answered his detractors this season.
Jayden Bogle has tightened his defensive game to suit the Premier League
Bogle scored six times and registered five assists in the Championship last season, and his contributions in attack were a feature of the Leeds team in the second tier.
However, Daniel Farke’s team are playing a different brand of football based on physicality, tough tackling and remaining compact in defence and midfield.
Bogle has had to adapt his game to suit the team’s needs in the Premier League, and while he has registered an assist, his defensive game has gone up a level in the Premier League.
He has been solid at right-back, and his tough tackling has surprised many, with Bogle emerging as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League this season.
Bogle is playing a big part in winning the ball back for his team and has been winning most of his defensive duels. He has transitioned well into a more defensive than attacking right-back this season.
His ball-carrying and crossing abilities have had to take a backseat in a more pragmatic Leeds team this season. However, he has already produced a brilliant cross that led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring against Wolves this season.
However, Bogle’s transition into a solid defensive right-back in the Premier League has answered his critics this season.
Bogle’s defensive numbers are outstanding
Bogle was aware that he needed to improve his defensive game to excel in the Premier League following his previous experience at this level with Sheffield United.
His game has improved to such an extent that his defensive numbers are as good as, if not better than, most full-backs in the game this season.
He is one of the top tackling full-backs in the world, and his ability to intercept danger has also made him one of the best defensive right-backs in the game at the moment.
Farke needed Bogle to step up, as being solid and compact at the back is always going to be key if Leeds are to survive in the Premier League this season.
The right-back has responded, and early in the season, it is clear that Bogle is again one of the first names on Farke’s team sheets.
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