The three biggest surprises at Leeds United so far this season, including ‘phenomenal’ ace’s breakthrough

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Leeds United saw a huge turnover in players during the summer transfer window.

To compensate for the 17 which departed after relegation from the Premier League, nine were brought in to give the squad an extremely fresh look.

Leeds know better than anyone else that all signings have an element of risk around them, but on the evidence seen so far, the success rate is looking extremely high.

Not only that, but Daniel Farke has also brought a handful of players back in from the cold, as well as blooding some of the club’s best youth.

So, with that in mind, we have taken a look at the three biggest surprises at Leeds so far this season.

Archie Gray

There is no where else to start really, other than here. Everyone knew what a potentially special talent Leeds had on their hands, but there is no one who would’ve expected him to make such an impact already. Jermaine Beckford even hailed him as ‘phenomenal’.

At just 17, Gray has started 11 of Leeds’ 13 matches in all competitions, dominating several seasoned Championship professionals with his physicality, passing and dribbling ability.

It is incredible just how good he is at this stage of his career, and if he continues at this trajectory, his potential is unlimited.

Sam Byram

When Byram was first invited back to train with Leeds during pre-season there weren’t many supporters calling on him to be handed a deal.

Given the injury problems he has suffered with in recent years, understandably so, too. However, after proving himself in pre-season, Byram was handed a one-year-deal.

Since then, Byram has absolutely made the left-back spot his own, producing a string of consistent performances at a level no one would expected. An absolute bargain.

Ethan Ampadu

The general consensus surrounding his arrival was definitely a positive one, but it is fair to say not many would’ve predicted the nature of his impact.

Aside from the defeat at Southampton, Ampadu has dominated every midfield he has come up against, looking a cut above this level almost straight away.

To have signed him for just an initial £7 million is looking like incredible business and at 23, he is only going to get better.