Season so far

In recent seasons I have posted a summary of the season after Leeds have played their 20th game. So here is my take on the current season.
Firstly, I predict that Southampton will be in the Championship next season. Just like their famous supporter Runi Sunak, they will be relegated/demoted.
On Leeds players, I like the look of Rothwell going forward. Brings the ball forward very well, quite like Rutter last season, although Rutter did play in a more advanced position, he often dropped deep and brought the ball forward very well. I find it interesting from a technical point of view that Dan James is scoring goals and is an attacking threat from the right wing. Man United played him on the left and so did Bielsa. He appears to be better on the right. So hats off to Herr Farke. Gnonto has been lively but I think Farke needs to decide which is the best position for him. This has been the issue with Gnonto for 2 seasons now. My guess is the left, but that would mean we have Manor, Gnonto and Ramazani on that wing. Throughout most of his boyhood career and his time in Austria, Aaronson played wide. He did this at Leeds too, under Marsch. This new role is interesting but I am not sure this is Brenden's best position because he needs more space as he gets knocked off the ball easily. He is quite quick though, and he does pass very well. Has anyone noticed, he doesn't get injured all that much? American players tend to be very fit in general. At the back I have not been particularly impressed with Bogle. I prefer Byram although Sam has lost a yard of speed. The problems with injury though make Byram a bit of a liability. When we went up, Ben White played every minute of every League game. Rodon is not in the same class as White, but farke has seen fit to have 2 central midfielders - tanaka and rothwell standing in front of the centre backs. This has helped. Tanaka is an excellent midfielder but I noticed that his 1st touch in the penalty box is not the best. I think he doesn't get in there that often so is a little nervous when he is in front of goal.
I think the top 2 positions will be between Leeds, Sheffield United, Burnley and possibly one other team. Maybe Sunderland, maybe Blackburn, not sure.
One question - can anyone remember the last time Leeds won an early game away from home? I am having trouble with this.

Not sure when we last won an early kick off game - maybe it is a Sky/EFL conspiracy to keep us down🤔😎

Agree with most of what you posted but would add in that Struijk has been really consistent and Wober looks like the answer at LB.

Agree with most of above, happy that no one is running away with it this year, going to be nip and tuck all the way, James is superb, byram is a better right back than bogle, as is wober rather than firpo the wanderer. Gnonto has raw talent to be harnessed somehow, Joseph is not the answer however much many bleat for him to start, Solomon is maybe a number ten behind piroe who is very gifted and calmly clinical, would like to see ramazani on the left as once fit I think he will be a star, jury for me still out on arronsson, transfer window a striker definitely needed to get us over the line and another right/left back required, on the whole not much to complain about apart from the dropped points against Portsmouth first game and that infuriating last second blooper by meslier at Sunderland.

What stands out for me this season is our first crucial phase with the ball involving Struijk & Rodon.

https://i.postimg.cc/85rnGSs3/20241213-183855.jpg

Our two centre-backs position themselves high & wide in the build-up looking for possession progress by exploiting their clean passing ability ranges

They both look very comfortable with this style of tactical play now being asked of by Farke. Great to have two calm, ball playing centre backs that are left-footed & right-footed playing in their natural positions with both also comfortable with the ball playing out wide - a useful ploy as they can get a better view of the movements our strikers are making to create space which we can & do expoit as they move the ball up the pitch, often allowing our wing backs to stretch the opposition defensive lines too - thus allowing our wingers to move inside making runs into the box which has defo benefited James, imo.

https://i.postimg.cc/W4SsZ0nj/20241213-185547.jpg