Daniel Farke shares what he really thinks about Leeds United duo Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk’s form this season

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Leeds United are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table after beating Swansea City 4-3 in Wales, thanks to Wilfried Gnonto’s stoppage-time winner.

But it was a game that could have gone either way. Swansea took the lead on two occasions before an equaliser in the 90th minute through Florian Bianchini, only for Gnonto to make it 4-3 just moments later.

Manor Solomon said Leeds need to win these kinds of matches to go up, and he is right. It was the kind of game that perhaps, last season, would have seen Daniel Farke’s men fold and only take home a point.

But even in the face of what might have been a heartbreaking last-gasp draw, Leeds stole the lead again. Swansea manager Luke Williams said that he felt Leeds deserved to win, despite Swansea going close.

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Daniel Farke praises on Leeds duo despite conceding three goals

It was only the second time Leeds have conceded three times in the Championship this season, and on both occasions, Leeds have not suffered defeat. The other, a 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at Elland Road.

Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have started every game this season, helping Leeds win nine clean sheets and concede only 12 goals – half of which have come against Swansea and Portsmouth so far this season.

Speaking to LUTV after the 4-3 win, Farke claimed that Rodon and Struijk should have done better than conceding three goals against Rodon’s old side because, they are the best two centre-backs in the league.

“Our defending was not spot on like in all the other games so far. For me, the best two centre-backs in the league at the moment – so 3-3? We should have done better,” Farke said about Rodon and Struijk.

How Leeds defence compares to other Championship back lines

There is no doubting that Rodon is probably the Championship’s most-complete centre-back, while Struijk – given he has scored two goals – is arguably even out-performing the 50-time Wales defender.

Burnley’s six goals conceded after 16 games is quite remarkable. A lot of credit has to go to Scott Parker and goalkeeper James Trafford, with Leeds one of 10 sides that were unable to score against Burnley.

But a balance must be found between conceding goals and scoring them, and Burnley have scored the least amount in the top six. Leeds have the best goal difference, suggesting perhaps, the right balance.