A team in form - how Farke has turned Leeds around

In the early stages of the Premier League season, Leeds United, under the management of Daniel Farke, have demonstrated a remarkable turnaround, currently occupying the third position on the nascent table. This resurgence mirrors the club's previous successful streaks of the early 2000s, when they secured five consecutive top-five finishes. On Monday, a 4-1 home victory over Newcastle United marked Leeds' best opening to a top-flight campaign since the 2001-02 season under David O'Leary.

The team's improved performance can be traced back to a strategic alteration in their formation. In November, Farke switched from a traditional back four to a back three during a match against Manchester City, a change that proved pivotal as the team fought back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw. Subsequently, Leeds have won five of their last six games, a statistic that would rank them fifth in a hypothetical league table from this period.

Key to this transformation has been the recruitment of taller, more robust players in the summer transfer window. Eight of the 10 new signings, including Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and James Justin, stand over six feet tall, adding considerable physicality to the squad. Farke acknowledged the importance of these players, stating that their height would contribute to their ability to defend crosses more effectively.

Recent additions, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic and Switzerland's Nico Elvedi, have bolstered Leeds' defensive lineup, with Muharemovic making a notable impact in every league appearance. The introduction of Harry Wilson, a free transfer from Fulham, has further strengthened the team's position. Under Farke's guidance, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a standout performer, scoring 14 goals this season, a tally surpassed only by Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins, and Joao Pedro.

Despite a challenging start to the season, with eight wins in their first 13 league games, Leeds' recent form has been exceptional. They have lost only five of their last 29 league matches, a feat that could potentially secure their place in European football for the first time in 24 years. The team's improved defense, bolstered by strategic signings and a revamped formation, has played a crucial role in this resurgence.

As they prepare for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace, the Leeds supporters are optimistic, dreaming of a return to the glory days of European competitions.