Leeds United are widely regarded as having the best squad in the Championship this season and their latest win over Middlesbrough has only reaffirmed that notion.
Particularly away from home, Boro have been one of the division’s most in-form sides in recent weeks, having won four of their last six matches heading into the game, scoring 19 goals in the process.
However, Leeds were able to restrict Boro to just six shots on the night, with Michael Carrick labelling it as a ‘Premier League‘ quality squad after the match.
Chris Wilder – manager of Leeds’ closest challenges for top spot Sheffield United – also claimed Daniel Farke’s side are ‘miles ahead‘ of his following their draw at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
Considering some of the quality Wilder has at his disposal, Farke did not consider that as entirely accurate, but it does show how highly Leeds are thought of by their rivals this season.
- READ MORE: Neil Redfearn tells ‘quality’ Leeds United player he ‘should be playing in the division above’
Neil Redfearn says Pascal Struijk is a leading Championship centre-back
Only Burnley and Sheffield United have conceded fewer goals than Leeds this season, with the former’s record of shipping just seven so far an absolute freak.
There are many top centre-backs now plying their trade at this level and the debate among Championship supporters usually includes Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Maxime Esteve.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds post last night’s win over Middlesbrough, former Whites boss Neil Redfearn has delivered his verdict on the battle to be the division’s top centre-back.
Redfearn believes Struijk is ‘head and shoulders above most’ in his position at this level, having come through a ‘tough’ period in the Premier League with Leeds.
He said: “That’s what is coming across in his performances. I thought the two centre-backs were outstanding again. I really like Pascal Struijk and I’ve said it two or three times on air before that there were some tough lessons learned in the Premier League.
“Some of the players came out better for it and I think he’s definitely learned from that. He looks head and shoulders above most centre-backs at this level and he was outstanding again tonight.”
How Struijk, Joe Rodon, Maxime Esteve and Anel Ahmedhodzic compare this season
Of course stats aren’t the be all and end all in football and given how much Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United tend to dominate, defenders aren’t always going to be overly busy.
However, the stats certainly do point towards Leeds’ duo being better than the rest. One thing is for sure, it is the best partnership.
| Apps | Goals | Clean sheets | Interceptions (per 90) | Clearances (per 90) | Aerial duels won (per 90) | |
| Struijk | 20 | 2 | 11 | 1.1 | 3.3 | 3.2 (64.3%) |
| Rodon | 20 | 1 | 11 | 0.6 | 4.2 | 2.2 (56.4%) |
| Ahmedhodzic | 14 | 0 | 9 | 0.9 | 3.9 | 1.3 (54.5%) |
| Esteve | 20 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 3.6 | 1.6 (56.1%) |
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