Leeds United have made a solid start to the Premier League this season, picking up nine points in their first five league games.
Early in the season, the Whites have shown they are ready to build on last season’s 14th-place finish and progress further in the 2026/27 campaign.
Leeds are being genuinely touted to finish in the European spots, or at least in the top half of the Premier League table, because they’ve been hard to beat since the turn of 2026.
Opposition managers have regularly praised Leeds and how physically intense they are, which has become a huge problem for any team facing the Whites.
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What rivals have said about Leeds United
Leeds beat Nottingham Forest twice at the City Ground at the start of the season, and the second defeat really pushed Oliver Glasner towards conceding something big about the Whites.
The Forest boss conceded Leeds were far too good that early in the season, and they looked well-drilled and knew what to do in every phase of play.
Glasner said after the EFL Cup defeat: “Losing twice in three days to Leeds, we have to accept they are better; they are further along than we are, and we could see there was much more stability in their team.
“They know what they want to do, how they want to attack, and how they want to play.”
Leeds earned a point against Brentford, who have looked dangerous and scored goals for fun. Andrews was pleased that his side forced the Whites to change their system.
It seemed the Bees were more focused on ensuring Leeds couldn’t play their football than on imposing their own style.
Andrews said after the 1-1 draw: “In the second half they made a lot of changes and had a lot more attacking players.
“We forced them into changing the system.
“And you have got to defend really well and have got to respect what comes your way.
“I think we did that in the main.
“We restricted them to very few opportunities; we just couldn’t play our way out of trouble on occasions.”
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle indicated that he was surprised by Leeds’ intensity during his side’s 4-1 defeat at Elland Road.
He said: “Leeds is a physically strong team.
“They are so intense, especially here at home, and we could not match that physicality in the first half.”
Is Europe a pipe dream for Leeds?
Leeds’ lethargic performance in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday showed that consistency can still be an issue this season.
However, the Whites ensured they didn’t lose on a day when they weren’t at their best, and that will keep them in good stead this season.
There is talk of Europe around Leeds and the Whites have looked a very hard team to beat, even for sides such as Brighton and Brentford, who have taken some big scalps this season.
Leeds may still have a few holes in their squad, but if they can avoid injuries to some of their most important players, they have a genuine chance of contending for Europe at the end of the campaign.
