Leeds United sit 15th in the Premier League table, six points clear of the relegation zone and are favourites to beat the drop by the end of the season.
Daniel Farke’s men started the campaign as one of the top contenders to go straight back down to the Championship. However, Leeds have exceeded expectations.
A key tactical shift at the end of November has played a big role in transforming Leeds’ season, but several players have also outperformed expectations in the ongoing campaign.
Jayden Bogle is one of the players who have stepped up to the plate at Leeds this season, and a former White has now apologised for misreading the defender when he initially arrived at Elland Road.
Jayden Bogle earns former Leeds star’s respect
Former Leeds star Michael Bridges has conceded that Bogle has forced him to eat humble pie with his performances for the Whites since he arrived in 2024.
The ex-White admitted he was unsure about the former Sheffield United man’s defensive ability and conceded he didn’t really rate him.
However, he stressed Bogle has been defensively brilliant and has proved himself as a Premier League player this season.
Bridges said on LUTV: “I’ve got to say he’s made me eat humble pie.
“The first couple of matches, I was thinking defensively. When I first saw him at the club, I said, ‘Oh, what’s he about?’ What’s he here for?
“Then, since he’s settled in and found his home, defensively, he’s been incredible, fitness levels through the roof, deliveries, and he’s gone above and beyond expectations.
“He’s shown that he’s a Premier League footballer and he’s been brilliant for this football club.”
Bogle has been absolutely brilliant
Bogle has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool making a concrete effort to sign him in the winter window.
His attacking powers were clear in the Championship last season. However, Bogle has proved his defensive worth in the Premier League, where Leeds have been forced to be more circumspect.
Jayden Bogle – Leeds United Defensive Stats (2025/26)| Clean Sheets | 2 |
|---|---|
| Interceptions (per game) | 1.0 |
| Tackles (per game) | 2.0 |
| Possession Won – Final Third (per game) | 0.4 |
| Balls Recovered (per game) | 4.2 |
| Dribbled Past (per game) | 0.7 |
| Clearances (per game) | 2.2 |
| Blocked Shots (per game) | 0.2 |
| Errors Leading to Shot | 1 |
| Errors Leading to Goal | 1 |
| Penalties Committed | 0 |
He has been steady, does not make rash challenges, and has committed very few defensive errors in a league where Leeds have been under the cosh in most games.
Leeds need to find a way to offer him a new deal, as any big Premier League club can offer to triple his wages to tempt him away from Elland Road.
Bogle has swatted away rumours over his future, but it doesn’t take much to turn heads if a player feels underpaid at a club.
