Leeds United have had several sublime performers this season but who has been the best of the best this season?
It’s been an incredible campaign for Leeds United, who put the cherry on top by clinching the Championship title ahead of Burnley on the final day.
Daniel Farke’s side defeated Plymouth 2-1 on Saturday thanks to Willy Gnonto’s equaliser and Manor Solomon’s incredible last-gasp winner.
The victory ensures Leeds will have a shiny trophy to show off to supporters during Monday’s open-top bus parade, as they receive the adulation they deserve after such a great campaign.
There are several contenders to be named Leeds’ Player of the Season and LUN writers have given their own picks below.
Will Butcher – Ao Tanaka
Nicknamed Tiger Tanaka after the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, Ao has not only been the star of the show – he’s done it in his first season in English football.
Having previously only played club football in Japan and Germany’s second tier, this was a step up for Tanaka. Even with the language barrier, he has been the diamond in the crown.
Harry Dimond – Dan James
Dan James has shown a consistent work rate, been able to play through injuries, smart creation in the final third, and his lightning-quick pace has been a pivotal tool for Farke.
21 goal contributions exemplify that, making him a nightmare for defenders this season.
Adam Elliott – Ao Tanaka
What can you say that hasn’t been said already about Ao Tanaka? His intensity off the ball, combined with an excellent passing range, has made him the heartbeat of this Leeds team this season.
The Japanese midfielder has also scored some of the most iconic goals of all, illustrating his ability to be a big game player when it matters most. A Premier League player in all but name, Tanaka will have the chance to show that next season after an outstanding debut campaign in West Yorkshire.
Dan Murphy – Joe Rodon
There are several quality candidates that deserve the honour of Leeds’ player of the season and it would be no crime if any of Jayden Bogle, James or Tanaka were handed the prize.
However, none of them have played so consistently and been so reliable throughout the campaign as Joe Rodon.
The centre-back has played all but four minutes of the Championship season and been the solid bedrock Farke has built a thrilling team on top of.
Much has been made, and rightly so, of Burnley’s remarkable defence this season but Leeds were statistically better at the back.
They have conceded fewer chances and would have conceded even fewer goals than a record-equalling 30 (before Burnley conceded just 16, that is) if it wasn’t for Illan Meslier.
Rodon has been the ever-present foundation, a dependable presence at the back whose use and distribution of the ball have also been crucial. A great campaign that deserves appreciation.
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