Daniel Farke is in his third season as Leeds United manager but it’s his first in the Premier League, and there have been numerous players already under his tutelage.
Leeds United collected 190 points in two Championship seasons under Daniel Farke, and there were numerous players who were vital to both campaigns at that level who also remain in the first-team now.
That said, an aggressive approach to recruitment was undertaken in the summer, with 10 new signings brought in to help bridge the gap to the Premier League. Many of them have nailed down starting roles since, too.
But every manager has his favourites and a core of a team is needed for continuity, with chemistry and relationships formed on and off the pitch with a number of the current longest-serving players in the squad.
Leeds United’s highest appearance makers under Daniel Farke
In total, there are 10 players in the 2025/26 squad who have played a part in each and every one of the last three seasons under Farke. He inherited some, while others were signed in the first summer after relegation.
However, the players with the most appearances in all competitions under Farke may surprise Leeds fans across these two campaigns and a further eight games of the current season. We take a look at the top five, here.
5) Illan Meslier – 89
Perhaps the first surprise on the list isn’t as much of a surprise as you think when you consider Illan Meslier was the first-choice for a full season and the majority of last year, too.
Of course, he lost his place to Karl Darlow. Meslier is now the Leeds third-choice behind the Welshman and Lucas Perri. But 89 appearances reflects his importance at one stage.
Ethan Ampadu – 91
A player signed in Farke’s first summer, Ethan Ampadu has become a vital part of the team — both for his quality as a footballer and his leadership overall. Now captain, his importance is greater than ever.
Ampadu led the team to promotion last term. It was a campaign marred by injuries after an almost-perfect record for appearances in 2023/24. The 25-year-old is proving his worth in the Premier League having not played at the level since 2020/21.
Willy Gnonto – 95
Most people would assume Willy Gnonto to have missed more games than this, having not always been Farke’s starting choice on either flank. He has had serious competition from Manor Solomon and Crysencio Summerville in his favoured position, for example.
Gnonto’s versatility and stellar availability have made him an important player, be that from the bench or starting games. The 21-year-old can operate as a winger on either side or in the role behind the centre-forward. He will hope to get back into action and his best after the current international break.
Joel Piroe – 101
Another of Farke’s first window signings, Joel Piroe joined after the 2023/24 campaign had already begun from Swansea City. He got off the mark immediately against Ipswich Town and didn’t look back over the last two years.
He may now have lost his place but no player has scored more goals than his 33 under Farke. Only one player can beat his 101 appearances, too. The 26-year-old is rarely injured, which shows in his consistency here.
Joe Rodon – 105
The least surprising player on the list has to be Joe Rodon. The centre-back epitomises availability for Leeds and Farke. Since a suspension against Hull City in 2023/24, he has been virtually ever-present.
In all competitions, since that game, Rodon has missed just four games for Leeds. All but one of those were the suspension, with the others being a well-earned rest for the Welshman. Rodon is on a record-run of Leeds appearances currently.
Leeds United’s other highest appearance makers under Daniel Farke
Of course, there are others who come so close to making the cut. Each of the five named are players over the last three seasons. The players with the most appearances who joined later than 2023/24 are Ao Tanaka (50), Jayden Bogle (53), and Brenden Aaronson (55).
The others to just miss out include Dan James (88), Sam Byram (78), and Ilia Gruev (65). James is just one behind Meslier and Pascal Struijk is some way off the other regulars with 70.
The Dutchman having less than Byram may come as a surprise. The only player who has played in all three seasons and who doesn’t make the top 10 is Darlow with 19.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
