The next couple of months will be vital for Leeds United, with their Premier League future still firmly remaining in their grasp with just seven games remaining.
Before a ball was kicked this term, Daniel Farke was tasked with keeping the Whites in the top-division, something which he failed to do during his time at Norwich City.
However, the German has led the club to four points clear of the relegation zone after 31 matches, after only losing four of the club’s last 18 matches in England’s top-flight.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke looks dejected after the match
Such form has been somewhat deceiving, only winning four of the aforementioned outings, with the club currently on a run of no wins in their last six outings.
As a result, the pack has massively closed up in recent weeks, which could make for a nervy finish and potentially see the club suffer an immediate return to the second tier.
The rise of Archie Gray at Leeds United & Spurs
Dropping into the Championship back in 2023 was seen as a disaster for Leeds, but it allowed for numerous stars to flourish - including academy graduate Archie Gray.
The youngster was an unknown quantity to many supporters in Yorkshire, but he made himself a household name for the Whites during the 2023/24 campaign.
Leeds United star Archie Gray
Gray, who is primarily a central midfielder, often featured at right-back under Farke, subsequently amassing a total of 52 appearances despite being just 17.
Such form caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur after Leeds failed to secure promotion, leading to the youngster completing a £40m move to join the Lilywhites.
He’s since racked up 78 appearances for the North London outfit, featuring in a variety of positions, including right-back once again, whilst even operating at the heart of the backline.
Gray has now cemented his place at the heart of the Spurs midfield, even featuring in the Champions League and being one of the club’s shining lights despite the dismal campaign they’re enduring.
The Leeds star who’s becoming Farke’s next Gray
During the 2025/26 campaign in the Premier League, Leeds boss Farke has frequently tinkered with the starting eleven to ensure the club secure survival come the end of May.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
The German has utilised a back four and back three, before settling on the latter - which has enabled the club to build a four-point buffer to the drop zone.
As a result, numerous players have been asked to operate in a variety of roles this term, which has allowed some to thrive, but also some to struggle with the demands of his system.
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The current system in place at Elland Road has seen the manager utilise a three-man midfield, which has seen club captain Ethan Ampadu catch the eye in recent months.
The Welsh international has been a key figure for the Whites in recent years, after joining the club for around £7m from Chelsea during the summer window back in 2023.
ethan-ampadu-leeds
The 25-year-old has now racked up a total of 117 appearances during his near three-year spell in Yorkshire, even emulating Gray in operating in various positions during such a period.
Ampadu has featured in the backline at centre-back or even full-back, before cementing his place at the heart of the side - just as the former academy graduate has at Spurs this season.
ethan-ampadu-leeds
Such a change has allowed the Welsh international to be a consistent presence at the base of the team, arguably being one of Farke’s most important players in 2025/26.
Whilst he’s netted the first top-flight goal of his career this term, his underlying stats highlight his importance to the side - with the midfielder thriving in and out of possession in Yorkshire.
Ampadu, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Kris Smith, has completed 85% of the passes he’s attempted this season, whilst also completing 67% of his attempted dribbles.
Such numbers highlight his talent with the ball at his feet, which has often seen him be the heartbeat of the side’s success in the Premier League in recent months.
Ethan Ampadu - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Dribble success
Ground duels won
Tackles made
Interceptions made
Aerials won
Without the ball, the captain has been just as impressive, subsequently coming out on top in 65% of the ground duels he’s entered throughout 2025/26.
Ampadu has made a staggering 2.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90, with the aforementioned figures allowing him to be a dominant force at the base of the midfield.
Ethan-Ampadu-1
He’s often been the side’s best ball-winner this term, which, when coupled with his passing stats, has made him a crucial cog to Farke’s three-back system.
The £7m fee paid for the midfielder’s signature nearly three years ago appears to be one of the club’s best-ever pieces of business - especially considering his form in the Premier League.
Ampadu has certainly exceeded all expectations at Elland Road, with their chances of survival this season firmly resting on his shoulders at present.
His ability to adapt to various roles when needed has also contributed to his success in Yorkshire, with the Welshman massively softening the blow of Gray’s departure.
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