Consistency is often the key in a title race and, as Leeds United swept past Norwich City, the likes of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Sam Byram once again provided the most rock-solid of foundations.
Off-nights are certainly few and far between for Leeds’ collection of reliable, seven-out-of-ten favourites.
And that was the case once again as Daniel Farke’s Championship table-toppers made light work of his former employers at Elland Road – even if Ao Tanaka was fortunate to avoid a red card early in the second half with the scoreline still at 1-0.
But if Tanaka, Rodon, Ampadu and co are the picture of consistency, then the tale of Jayden Bogle is something a little different.
A tale of a footballer growing in stature, confidence and influence seemingly ever time he dons that Leeds United jersey. While Manor Solomon – scorer of one and assister of Dan James’ second – has come on leaps and bounds of late, Bogle surely owns the ‘most improved player’ gong in West Yorkshire.
Daniel Farke raves about Jayden Bogle as Leeds United beat Norwich City
The former Sheffield United right-back started as he meant to go on straight from kick-off against Norwich.
Bogle’s impudent backheel helped begin the move which put Leeds a goal up after just 32 seconds. His flick found Brenden Aaronson, Aaronson in turn found the rampaging James, and Solomon was on hand to rifle into the roof of Angus Gunn’s net.
The fastest goal in the Championship this season.
And, as far as Daniel Farke is concerned, no player has performed more impressively than Bogle during a promotion-inspiring run of seven wins in ten second-tier matches.
“Jayden Bogle has been my player of the match for the past ten games,” a satisfied Farke told reporters full-time. “This was a normal game by his high standards. He is outstanding and a top-class character.
“Great performances in attack and defence.”
While Bogle was part of a Leeds backline which secured a 16th clean sheet of the campaign, the former England Under 20 international is rapidly turning into one of Farke’s most reliable creative outlets.
Bogle’s tally of 18 passes into the final third against Norwich was more than double anyone else on the pitch. With three shots from full-back – including one which nearly caught out Gunn at his near post just prior to the interval – only centre-forward Joel Piroe mustered more attempts at goal.
Bogle delighted with his progress at Elland Road
After Rasmus Kristensen’s difficult spell in West Yorkshire, Jayden Bogle is more than filling the void created by the departure of former cult hero Luke Ayling. A £5 million signing from local rivals Sheffield United – and what value that looks now – Bogle has also chipped in with a very respectable tally of three goals.
For a club in Leeds’ position – coming up against deep-block defences most weeks – Bogle’s buccaneering runs and his excellent use of the ball in the final third is becoming quite a weapon Farke’s armoury.
“[My move to Leeds United has gone] better than expected,” admits the 24-year-old, Bogle striking up a thrilling partnership with Dan James on the right-hand flank.
“Before I came to the club, I obviously knew Leeds is a massive football club. But when you’re inside it and the environment, you really get a feel for how big and how fantastic the club is.”
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