Ben Parker has told LS11 that Sam Byram has been the best left-back in the Championship so far this season, despite the Leeds United defender being right-footed. Byram scored in a 3-0 win over Watford.
Byram, 30, was a surprise summer signing and his arrival back at Leeds was even met with trepidation among some Leeds fans, given his injury record. But the full-back has been exceptional for the club.
The ex-West Ham and Norwich man has played just 98 senior times since leaving Leeds seven and a half years ago, in January 2016. But a return to Leeds seems to be getting the best of the defender.
On Saturday, he netted his first goal of his second spell – powering a Dan James header into the back of the net to put Leeds 2-0 up, in our 3-0 win. Right now, he is first choice on the left side of the defence.
“From what I’ve seen, he’s the best left-back in the division – and he’s right-footed. It’s crazy. We mentioned Shacks being the new Stuart Dallas – well Byram is a bit like that too,” Byram said, on LS11.
“Calmness, you can tell he’s 30. Experience added to his quality. To get his goal, brilliant. The fans loved it, even the players – they all ran over celebrating. You just want to be friends with Sam, he’s a nice lad.”
Parker: Byram the best left-back in the Championship so far
It was right to be cautious surrounding Byram’s addition in the summer but in terms of Byram coming in on a free, he has to be the signing of the summer. Ethan Ampadu is a bargain at £7m, in midfield.
But to get Byram for nothing and for him to start producing the performances he is doing, is sensational. Daniel Farke has thrown his hat onto Byram and he is repaying him, and more so. Long may it continue.
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