3 Players Who Could Be Pivotal To Leeds United’s Bid For EPL Promotion After 13 Years

Since getting relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2003-04 season, Leeds United have struggled to make a return. But this season it finally looks like it, as Garry Monk – the 7th coach in Massimo Cellino’s 3 years ownership at Leeds, has already brought in some evident changes.

The Peacocks are sited in the playoff zone with only 13 games to go and are one of the favorites to win promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.

Monk has got a quality squad to handle, and some of his players are able to stand toe to toe against their best-rated counterparts in the division.

Three of them will play vital roles if they are to get promoted, and they could be pivotal to Leeds United’s bid for EPL promotion after 13 years :

1. Chris Wood

The former Leicester City striker has been an assured source of goals for Monk’s men this term. He has bagged 19 Championship strikes – surpassing his highest ever tally of 13 which came last season. He would have to do keep firing on all cylinders if Leeds are to hold on to their playoff spot till the end.

Wood’s prolificacy in front of goal would particularly come in handy during the playoff rounds, as Leeds can’t afford to have him missing in action both on and off the pitch at such crucial periods.

The New Zealand international has scored 42% of Leeds’ goals this term, and is on his way to setting a club record for league goals scored in a single season. His form certainly is a key factor to their promotion chances this term.

2. Pontus Jansson

While Wood is at one end of the pitch banging in the goals, this no nonsense Swede ensures that the other end is firmly tight and hard for opposition attackers to breach.

Since arriving from Torino last summer on a season-long loan, Jansson has established himself as the backbone of Leeds defence and as arguably the best centre-half in the Championship.

His 86% pass success rate underlines his ball-playing abilities and importance in helping to build the play from the back. The Sweden international has not only been a solid rock at the back, he has also weighed in 3 league goals, more than the likes of Sacko and Dallas. This highlights his all-round importance to the team.

3. Pablo Hernández

The former Swansea midfielder has been the one who has been creating the chances for Leeds forwards this term. He has 7 assists to his name and has been their major asset during the build-up play.

In his 23 league appearances so far, Hernandez has also scored 4 goals and has always proved important to Leeds’ chances in games.

His set pieces have proven to be sources of goalscoring opportunities for the team, and he remains the main player as Leeds attempt to get promoted this term.

The team’s success often hinges on his form. Bad days in the office for Pablo has often left Leeds bereft of ideas. They can only hope that he remains in fine form as his performances will determine their fate.