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Leeds’ three biggest surprise packages of 2021: Forshaw included
Leeds United have plenty of reason to be both thankful and somewhat wistful that 2021 is coming to an end.
The first-half of the year saw the Whites silence anyone who dared suggest that they have did not what it takes to sustain an impressive form over the course of an entire Premier League campaign.
However, more recent months have been much more difficult. And Marcelo Bielsa’s men will likely view the coming months as a success if they end 2022 as a top-flight club once again.
Nevertheless, there has been plenty to be positive about over the last 12 months. And with that, here is a look at three players who have arguably been the biggest surprises for Leeds over the calendar year…
Stuart Dallas
Perhaps Stuart Dallas is an odd choice. He was outstanding during Leeds’ title-winning season. And he took little time to find his feet in the Premier League.
But at this stage 12 months ago, he had one top-flight goal to his name. Ultimately, he ended the season with eight goals.
And as things stand, his stunning brace to win 10-man Leeds the game at Manchester City in April is the high point to beat in Bielsa’s tenure.
Tyler Roberts
Again, Tyler Roberts may seem a short-sighted choice. And some may wonder if some of the under-23s should get the nod instead.
But few Leeds fans will have been surprised by what Joe Gelhardt has done in the first-team. And Charlie Cresswell is perhaps a few appearances away from qualifying.
Roberts makes the list after some superb displays in recent weeks. He has had to deal with a lot of criticism during his time at Elland Road. And he was a player who had struggled to prove that he could really make an impact in the Premier League.
But if Roberts’ recent form is a sign of what is to come in 2022, Leeds could have a real wildcard in the Wales international.
Adam Forshaw
If Leeds fans could debate the notion of Dallas’ form being a surprise, or Roberts’ recent performances being enough for him to make this list, there is surely not one single argument that can be made against Adam Forshaw being included.
Forshaw went into this season having gone almost two years without a league appearance. And his last stint in the Premier League came when Middlesbrough were last at English football’s top table, .
Not only has Forshaw been absolutely amazing in the middle of the park, but it is also remarkable to see how little game-time he has needed in the top-flight to reach that level.
Even Bielsa admitted that his surprise at seeing how Forshaw has done.
Expect 2022 to bring a new contract for the 30-year-old.