Jonny Buchan claims that the Leeds United defense takes “absolutely huge” satisfaction in their ability to keep opponents out at any costs.
The evidence, according to the BBC journalist on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet (March 11), is that Illan Meslier and the defenders aggressively celebrate little wins like blocks and saves, even at the expense of their own health. One example of this is when Joe Rodon “got his head caved in” yet still missed a chance.
Leeds United have conceded only three league goals in 12 Championship fixtures in 2024 as they have roared back into title contention, and Buchan believes the mindset of the players is a big reason why.
Buchan said (26m 55s): “I love the way they’re celebrating the little things in games as well, the blocks, or Rodon getting his head caved in and still pulling off the block.
“And then Meslier making [a save]. They’re celebrating those moments because that back line, I know all defenders and goalkeepers pride [themselves on] clean sheets, but it’s almost like that back line have gone, ‘You will not beat us. You are not going to score against us.’
“The professional pride in that back line to stop that happening seems to be absolutely huge.”
Tottenham loanee puts hid body on the line as Leeds United defence excels
There is plenty for the Leeds defenders to have pride in at the moment as their outstanding recent record is a huge part of why Daniel Farke has his side just three points behind once-runaway leaders Leicester.
Having started the campaign unevenly in the wake of a chaotic summer of upheaval the Whites have since found relentless form in reeling in Ipswich Town, and now find themselves on the brink of doing the same with the Foxes.
It is a measure of the incredibly high standards in the second tier this season that they are not even guaranteed an automatic promotion place still, with Southampton also in the mix.
But the professional 2-0 away win at a resurgent Sheffield Wednesday last week, before Ipswich and Leicester faltered the following day, felt like a significant one.
On a night that seemed like it would be a banana peel, Meslier was thrown bottles from the stands by home fans as he celebrated Willy Gnonto’s score.
Regardless of whether he completes a permanent transfer from Tottenham or not, Rodon has been excellent this year, and he can’t be blamed for not giving the promotion push his all.
A far cry from the circumstances this time last year, Rodon and the Leeds United defense have been formidable with Ethan Ampadu in the middle and Archie Gray, Connor Roberts, Junior Firpo, and Sam Byram on each side.
