adminLeeds United have made a strong start to the Premier League season, collecting nine points from their opening five league matches.
In the early stages of the campaign, the Whites have demonstrated that they are prepared to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish and make further progress in the 2026/27 campaign.
Leeds are now being seriously discussed as potential contenders for the European places, or at the very least a top-half finish in the Premier League, with the side proving difficult to defeat since the beginning of 2026.
Opposing managers have consistently highlighted Leeds’ physical intensity, which has developed into a major challenge for teams coming up against the Whites.
What rivals have said about Leeds United
Leeds defeated Nottingham Forest twice at the City Ground at the beginning of the season, with the second loss appearing to convince Oliver Glasner of just how strong the Whites had become.
The Forest manager admitted after the EFL Cup defeat that Leeds were simply too good at that stage of the season, praising their organisation and understanding across different phases of the game.
Glasner said after the EFL Cup defeat: “Losing twice in three days to Leeds, we have to accept they are better; they are further along than we are, and we could see there was much more stability in their team.
“They know what they want to do, how they want to attack, and how they want to play.”
Leeds picked up a point against Brentford, who have appeared dangerous and capable of scoring plenty of goals. Andrews was satisfied that his team had managed to make the Whites alter their approach.
It appeared the Bees were more concerned with preventing Leeds from playing their usual style than imposing their own game on the match.
Andrews said after the 1-1 draw: “In the second half they made a lot of changes and had a lot more attacking players.
“We forced them into changing the system.
“And you have got to defend really well and have got to respect what comes your way.
“I think we did that in the main.
We restricted them to very few opportunities; we just couldn’t play our way out of trouble on occasions.”
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle suggested that Leeds’ intensity had caught his side off guard during their 4-1 defeat at Elland Road.
He said: “Leeds is a physically strong team.
“They are so intense, especially here at home, and we could not match that physicality in the first half.
Is Europe a pipe dream for Leeds?
Leeds’ sluggish display in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday demonstrated that consistency could still be a concern this season.
However, the Whites made sure they avoided defeat despite not performing at their best, and that could prove valuable as the campaign develops.
There is already plenty of discussion about European football around Leeds, with the Whites proving extremely difficult to overcome, even for teams such as Brighton and Brentford, who have claimed some notable victories this season.
Leeds may still have several gaps within their squad, but if they can avoid injuries to some of their key players, they could have a realistic opportunity to challenge for European football by the end of the campaign.
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