Leeds United have made a solid start to life back in the Premier League, and a few of their summer signings have played a defining role this season. However, one of those players has really stood out and emerged as a leader in the team, despite joining just in the last transfer window.
The Yorkshire giants have looked more competitive and resilient than most promoted sides from recent years. They have stood up against some of the most established teams in the Premier League and should have had more than the eight points they have from their opening seven league games.
Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have emerged as key players in the Leeds squad since joining the club in the summer transfer window.
However, Sean Longstaff has emerged as the best signing of the summer and has stood out as one of the leaders of the team with his performances in the middle of the park.
Leeds United star Sean Longstaff named as one of the top 5 summer transfers
Longstaff has been a standout performer for Leeds and is proving to be one of the best pieces of business the club has conducted, with a deal worth £12m plus £3m in add-ons.
The Athletic has rated the deal as the fifth-best signing among the 155 players who joined Premier League clubs in the last summer transfer window.
The NY Times outlet pointed out that the midfielder has brought authority to the Leeds midfield and has even improved his set-piece deliveries.
They also revealed that Longstaff is the second-best tackler in the Premier League, as per numbers.
“Massively exceeded expectations and becoming the figurehead of Leeds’ side”, The Athletic wrote.
“Got a goal and an assist against Bournemouth, has brought stability and dynamism in midfield, plus offers good set-piece deliveries, and he suits Leeds’ physical approach.
“The second-best tackler in the league so far, too, with 15 won [one behind Tyrick Mitchell]. Very good.”
Longstaff is massively underrated in the Premier League
The midfielder lost his place in the Newcastle team over the last season because the club brought in more quality midfielders to move to the next level.
However, Longstaff remains hugely underrated in the Premier League, and at Leeds, he is finally receiving the praise, recognition, and respect he truly deserves.
He has been hugely influential in the middle of the park and has looked a level above the other midfielders in the squad this season.
Leeds are thanking their lucky stars that they signed Longstaff over Habib Diarra, who was their top target before Sunderland signed him in the summer.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United midfielders?
