David Prutton has picked out four Leeds United first teamers that have particularly benefited from the arrival of Thomas Christiansen as manager in the summer.
The Sky Sports pundit has claimed that Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips have been the main beneficiaries of the new appointment.
Christiansen has already put his own stamp on the team and helped the Whites reach the top of the Championship table after the opening nine league games.
The 44-year-old boss has had help from new signings such as Samu Saiz, Ezgjan Alioski and Pierre-Michel Lassoga, but has also rediscover the form of some players already at Elland Road.
Prutton has named the Leeds quartet that have stood out since the chance of manager.
“Christiansen has managed to use players that were already there, particularly Jansson, Cooper, Kane and Phillips, and integrate them well with the new boys,” Prutton told Sky Sports.
Jansson has continued to grow into one of the Championships best defenders after making a permanent move to Elland Road this summer following a season-long loan.
He has formed a brilliant partnership alongside teammate Liam Cooper at centre-back and the duo have been in imperious form.
Leeds captain Cooper failed to cement his position in the starting XI last season, but has been an ever-present under Christiansen.
Meanwhile, O’Kane and Phillips also struggled to be consistent performers last year under Garry Monk.
The two central midfielders are now essential players in the Leeds starting line up and have a good balanced in the middle of the park.
OPINION
Prutton has picked out some key players that have really impressed since the change of manager and in truth Christiansen has given the whole club a big lift. They are now beginning to look like real promotion contenders, despite the concern of losing Monk in the summer. Leeds can really lay down a marker on Tuesday night if they can pick up three points when they travel to third-placed Cardiff, who only trail them on goal difference after making a good start. The Whites have a brilliant balance to their side and under Christiansen could finally end their Premier League exile this season.