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Adam Pope names the Leeds United signing he believes has had the biggest impact this season

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Adam Pope has named the Leeds United summer signing he believes has had the biggest impact seven games into the new Premier League season.

Daniel Farke was left frustrated at the end of the summer transfer window as Leeds failed in a deadline day deal to bring Harry Wilson to the club to bolster their options in attack.

Despite Farke’s frustration at the Whites’ inability to sign another forward, on balance, Leeds enjoyed a strong transfer window, bringing in 10 new signings, with James Justin completing their summer business.

Although the likes of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have endured a frustrating start to their Leeds careers, several of Leeds’ new arrivals have already made their presence felt in the Premier League.

Now, Pope has named the player he believes has made the biggest impact for Leeds, as they prepare to resume their campaign against Scott Parker’s Burnley.

Leeds United players celebrate with Sean Longstaff after his goal vs Bournemouth.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images

Adam Pope names his Leeds United signing of the season

Speaking to BBC Sport, Pope gave his verdict on which Leeds signing has had the biggest impact so far this season.

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and particularly Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson have all enjoyed a strong start to life at Leeds, none of them got Pope’s vote.

According to the BBC West Yorkshire Sport journalist, midfielder Sean Longstaff’s experience in the top flight has been essential to Leeds’ solid start to the season.

Pope said: “Arguably, Gabriel Gudmundsson, who is a definite upgrade at left-back, as he can defend and attack.

“However, I do not think you can underestimate the influence that Sean Longstaff’s experience of the Premier League brings – so after seven matches, I would say Longstaff.”

Sean Longstaff during Leeds United v Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

Sean Longstaff has the joint-highest rating of Leeds’ new signings

Longstaff has been impressive in the Leeds midfield, forming a strong combination with club captain Ethan Ampadu and fellow new arrival Anton Stach.

According to FotMob, Longstaff and Stach have been Leeds’ best new signings this season, based on their average match rating from the seven games this season.

Average match rating for new Leeds United signings:

Both Longstaff and Stach have an average rating of 7.18, putting them at the top of the charts in the Leeds squad.

Okafor is the next highest new arrival, sitting in fourth place overall, with an average rating of 6.97, ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is Leeds’ ninth-highest rated player on 6.65.