Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes Leeds United have one key quality that could help them achieve survival in the top flight.
Both Leeds and Sunderland have enjoyed strong starts to the Premier League season, defying predictions that the newly-promoted sides would struggle this season.
Daniel Farke was left to rue Leeds’ profligacy in front of goal in their draw with Bournemouth, as they were forced to settle for a draw after Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed several chances.
However, Troy Deeney has seen enough to be convinced that Leeds will survive this season, changing his initial prediction that they would go straight back down under Farke.
Now, he has identified what sets Leeds and Sunderland apart from the newly-promoted sides in previous years who were relegated at the first time of asking.
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Troy Deeney praises key Leeds United quality
Speaking on Hawksbee and Jacobs on TalkSport, on the afternoon of the 29th September, Deeney praised Leeds and Sunderland for quickly developing a pragmatic identity in the top flight.
According to Deeney, getting off to a fast start is crucial for promoted sides, and both Leeds and Sunderland have managed to do that.
Deeney said: “I think it’s about having an identity very, very quickly. I was concerned for Leeds at the start, if I’m being 100 % honest, but I think they’ve had a clear recruitment strategy. Big, strong, powerful players, and they’re going to be physical, which I think you need.
“Obviously, the games for Sunderland have worked out perfectly. West Ham being in the situation that they’re in, once you get that first win, you do feel as a team like, oh, we belong here.
Leeds face high-flying Tottenham in their next Premier League fixture, and Deeney believes the newly-promoted teams may not be expecting to get anything from this kind of game, instead focusing on picking up points from the teams around them this season.
“You have to be pragmatic as well as a group and say, you know, the top six, they’re luxury games. They’re not our games to win,” Deeney continued, “If you can get four points off the teams around you, then that’s great. If you nick six, then you’re off to the races, but the big thing is 10 wins.
“10 wins is all you need in that column, and that’s where my frustration with Southampton was last year and the teams before. It was basically principles first, as opposed to staying up and then adding better players so you can play the football you want to. Be a bit more pragmatic.”
Leeds face a crucial run of Premier League fixtures
Although Leeds have enjoyed a strong start to the season, Farke’s side are about to enter a crucial run of fixtures that could go a long way towards securing their Premier League status in May.
Leeds face Tottenham before the international break, which is something of a free hit, followed by a run of games against teams who are all around Leeds in the table.
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The Whites travel to Burnley before hosting West Ham. Away trips to Brighton and Nottingham Forest follow before Leeds host Aston Villa to end a crucial run of six games.
In reality, Leeds have to better their tally of eight points from six games to open the season. With games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to follow, Farke will be keen to get points on the board at the earliest possible opportunity.
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