Gabriel Gudmundsson is a player that could be at Leeds United for the long haul, former Whites full-back Tony Dorigo believes.
Gudmundsson has enjoyed a terrific maiden season at Leeds, standing as one of the most successful summer signings following his £10m transfer from Lille. The Swede is a key starter for Daniel Farke, beginning 25 of his 26 Premier League appearances.
The fact he has yet to register a goal or an assist is a mere sidestory to how his campaign has panned out, with his defensive attention and forward intent all the more impressive given he has had to morph from a traditional full-back into a wing-back.
Gudmundsson’s consistency and ability to keep a cool head under pressure has impressed onlookers while his off-field demeanour and application has been hailed by those around Elland Road.
Former England international Dorigo says it is “lovely” that some supporters have described Gudmundsson as the best left-back Leeds have had since he himself played at Leeds, and points to the similarities in his game.
“He’s tenacious defensively, which I was, and I'd love to get forward and deliver those crosses and that's what Gabi does as well,” Dorigo told Leeds Live.
“I just think left-back has been a problem position throughout the years, it hasn't been one that we've had plentiful players that you could reel off - which is why with someone like Gabi popping up it's like ‘oh great, at last’.”
He added: “Junior Firpo certainly was fantastic in the Championship, getting forward and what he did there was tremendous. But in the Premier League we needed something different.
“We also needed someone that can really defend against the best wingers in the Premier League but also gives us that impetus going forward and Gabi can do both. I think he's doing great.”
There is no inkling that other clubs are sniffing around the Gudmundsson - nor that Leeds would be willing to consider any offers - but 26-year-old’s peak years are still ahead of him and should he continue his trajectory, potential suitors may try to enact a transfer heist at some stage.
However, 1992 title-winning left-back Dorigo believes Leeds have the ability to match Gudmundsson’s growth and ambitions should the 49ers’ progression plan play out as hoped. And so in turn, a transfer away becomes less appealing.
“He’s come to a club with ambition that wants to go forward,” Dorigo said. “And I think, for him, this is an ideal place to be because we're not looking in two, three years' time just to be surviving - we're looking in to get to that mid-table and then you're looking for the next step.
Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson
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Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
“I think that certainly suits the players that have come in. Also what you need to look at is that we'll be looking to get better and better players.
"So you've got to try and keep proving yourself and keep staying in there. It's a competitive environment and I think as a player it's exactly what you want.
“Leeds with the current ownership... clearly the first season is all about survival we get that.
"But I don't think that's the end of our ambition and I'm sure that's not the end of Gabi's ambition and other players as well. So I think it's a good fit.”
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Leeds’ recruitment team considered their January transfer options for a back-up to Gudmundsson amid the loan exit of Jack Harrison to Fiorentina. The in-form James Justin - a right-back by trade - is currently the only esteemed alternative, with Sam Byram very much on the fringes.
United ultimately did not find a suitable left-back option that was affordable and of the right fit, but Dorigo says Justin’s versatility as a full back and an inside centre-back softens the shortfall.
“When you've got someone like Justin, those decisions are way easier - in that, unless it's way above what you've got, then why?” Dorigo mused.
“Simply because he can play at various positions. Also, we've still got Byram there as a backup to the backup. And so the depth there is pretty good.
"A lot of our signings have settled in extremely well and Justin certainly is one of them.”
Tony Dorigo was speaking with Leeds Live via casino.co.uk, who recommend online comparison sites for UK casinos.