Despite failing to score in two of their five games this season, Leeds United have still managed to net seven Championship goals but it is a surprise player that is the club’s most-creative weapon so far.
Three came on the opening day of the season in a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth. But the next two games saw Leeds fail to score and had to adapt after selling Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Brenden Aaronson has scored a couple of goals so far, Wilfried Gnonto is starting to take on the mantle of main man in attack and the likes of Dan James and Mateo Joseph have each chipped in with a goal.
Manor Solomon made his debut to brilliant effect against Hull with a stunning assist for Joseph’s goal while Largie Ramazani is yet to really kick a ball for Leeds in any anger, after one brief cameo appearance.
Ilia Gruev has been Leeds’ most-creative player so far this season
So given Leeds have Gnonto, Joseph, Aaronson, James, Solomon, Joel Piroe and Ramazani in attack, it is none of them that have so far proved the most-creative in creating chances for his Leeds teammates.
Indeed, it is Ilia Gruev who has laid on the most key passes during the four Championship appearances this season. So far, WhoScored say he has laid on nine key passes, joint-sixth best in the Championship.
Of course, it helps Gruev has started all four games and in three of those, he has lasted until the 90th minutes. Against Hull, the 18-time Bulgaria star was subbed off for a late rest, replaced by Ao Tanaka.
What Leeds fans have been saying about Gruev after last night
Not only has Gruev started to have an impact in attack as he is tasked with playing a bit further forward than Ethan Ampadu, but the “underrated” star is crucial to Leeds’ run of clean sheets.
For club and country, Gruev has helped secure five consecutive clean sheets with the latter two coming with Bulgaria against Belarus and Northern Ireland. Gruev now has 19 clean sheets in 33 games in 2024.
Leeds fans were impressed with Gruev’s performance on Sunday night as he helped his country beat Northern Ireland. It was Bulgaria’s first competitive win since beating North Macedonia back in 2022.
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