With the World Cup now firmly on the horizon, Leeds United fans will be hoping to be watching some of their players star at the competition with their Premier League status confirmed.
Daniel Farke’s side have been a credit to the top flight this campaign, subsequently sitting six points clear of the dotted lines with just six games remaining.
However, the form of the numerous players in the senior ranks will have no doubt caught the attention of their respective national team managers ahead of the competition in America.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a huge chance of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, after being named in the recent squad during the last international break.
The return of the World Cup could also see the Whites faithful sit back and watch countless former players light up the tournament, including winger Raphinha.
The stats behind Raphinha’s success at Leeds United
After promotion back to the Premier League ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, Leeds completed the £17m fee of the Brazilian winger - with the attacker arriving as an unknown quantity to the fanbase.
However, it took the 29-year-old no time at all to introduce himself to the Whites faithful, as he registered 15 combined goals and assists during his maiden campaign at Elland Road.
Raphinha
His subsequent form allowed the Whites to finish in the top half of the division upon their return, with Raphinha managing to reproduce the goods in the attacking third once again the following year.
The Brazilian’s tally of 11 goals, the highest in the senior ranks, helped secure survival on the final day against Brentford - undoubtedly writing his name in the club’s history forever.
However, his career in Yorkshire came to an end after such a campaign, as he joined Barcelona for a fee in the region of £55m - the highest fee ever received for a player in Leeds’ history.
His time in LaLiga has seen the attacker become one of the world’s most dangerous talents, with numerous players trying to emulate his success at Elland Road in his absence.
The Leeds star who’s becoming the next Raphinha
In an attempt to fill the void left by the Brazilian this campaign, Leeds completed the £18m signing of attacker Noah Okafor during the summer transfer window.
okafor-leeds-chelsea
The Swiss international’s move generated huge excitement, with the 25-year-old’s experience at the top of European football undoubtedly a huge factor in the transfer.
He’s certainly had to bide his time in making an impact at Elland Road, but his display against Manchester United at Old Trafford last night has already cemented his place as a club-legend.
Okafor netted both goals during the 2-1 victory against the Red Devils, subsequently securing the club’s first win at such a ground since the FA Cup triumph way back in 2010.
However, despite the attacker’s efforts, he has not managed to take the crown of the next Raphinha, with full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson the player who’s been able to emulate the Brazilian’s impact.
Gudmundsson Leeds
The 26-year-old joined from Lille for a reported £10m during the summer window, subsequently emulating the attacker in moving to Elland Road from a Ligue 1 outfit.
Whilst the defender obviously operates in a different position, his immediate form in Yorkshire has no doubt contributed to the club’s chances of avoiding relegation this term.
The Swedish international has featured in all but two league games so far this campaign, with his underlying stats highlighting his importance to the senior ranks.
He’s completed 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 this season, doing so at a 52% success rate - with both of the aforementioned figures the highest of any player in the squad.
Gabriel Gudmundsson - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Dribbles completed
Dribble success
Ground duels won
Tackles made
Defensive actions
His numbers in attacking areas demonstrate the threat he poses when marauding forward, something which Raphinha managed to catch the eye for during his own time at the club.
Out of possession, the 26-year-old has been just as impressive in 2025/26, subsequently winning 6.1 ground duels per 90 and making 2.3 tackles per 90.
Gudmundsson-Leeds-United
His tally of 4.1 ball recoveries and 6.1 defensive actions made per 90 also demonstrates his quality, with the defender cementing his place on the left-side of the backline.
Like Raphinha, Gudmundsson was unknown to the majority of the fanbase before his arrival, but now he’s undoubtedly one of the club’s most important players.
His performances at both ends of the pitch have made him a huge asset for the Whites, with the Swedish international no doubt worth a whole lot more than the £10m paid for his signature.
Okafor may well feel hard done by, given his recent performances in the final third, but the full-back’s consistent display throughout 2025/26 undoubtedly makes him their best signing in recent times.
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