Leeds United have enjoyed an extremely productive pre-season under Daniel Farke.
The Whites begin their Championship campaign with some momentum behind them having won each of their last two friendly matches, producing good performances in the process.
Despite it having been a shorter pre-season than usual, Leeds have already showed evidence they are quickly getting to grips with Farke’s tactics, dominating possession in the wins against Nottingham Forest and Hearts.
Farke has also provided a number of fringe players with the opportunity to impress this summer, and it is fair to say some of them have taken their chance.
So, with that in mind, here is a look at Leeds’ three biggest winners of pre-season.
Ian Poveda
Undoubtedly the biggest success story this summer is Ian Poveda, who had looked destined to depart this summer following loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
However, Poveda has all of a sudden established himself as an exciting option for one of those spots in the three behind the striker, producing stand-out displays in each of his 45 minutes from the bench against Forest and Hearts.
Poveda has always had neat footwork and trickery in his locker, but has clearly also improved his physical attributes and looks a much improved player because of it.
He is now a concrete option for Farke in either that number 10 position, or on the right-hand side.
Leo Hjelde
Perhaps surprisingly, Leeds are yet to add to their left-back options this summer but Leo Hjelde’s performances have allayed any fears they are weak in that position.
Hjelde has clearly shown the benefits of his loan spell at Rotherham United last season and his ability in possession looks like it will be perfect for Farke’s style.
The 19-year-old has been part of a defence that has looked much steadier during the friendlies, and while another left-back is certainly required, Hjelde is now ready to be a big part of Leeds’ squad going forward.
Archie Gray
Leeds have lost a number of midfielders from last season’s first team squad this summer and so that has provided youngsters Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi the chance to impress.
Gray has certainly taken that chance with two hands, forming an excellent partnership with Ethan Ampadu in central midfield.
Despite being only 17, Gray is highly likely to start Leeds’ Championship opener against Cardiff City on Sunday and you wouldn’t have any qualms in doing so based on the evidence of pre-season.
Gray has both the technical and physical attributes to impose himself in senior football and his promotion to the first team is an exciting prospect for Leeds supporters.
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