Finishing in the top 10 was beyond the wildest dreams of most and remaining unbeaten against the so-called 'big six' at Elland Road said so much about the spirit with which they attacked the top flight.
We rated each player in each game throughout the 2020/21 campaign.
Almost every player improved his rating with what he did in the second half of the season, Leeds rediscovering the defensive solidity that underpinned their Championship title.
Some scores will be skewed slightly by circumstance, like Patrick Bamford's lack of involvement in the periods in which the Whites' struggled to attack as well as they usually do, or Diego Llorente's return to action in a really good spell for the club, and the ratings were always delivered just after the full-time whistle on a first take, but viewed across the squad they tell a story.
Here, we've worked out the average score for each individual squad member based across all 38 Premier League games from our post-match ratings.
Scroll through below to see how each player scored for the season overall:
7. Pascal Struijk - 6.9
The story of the season? Thrown in at the deep end and thrived. A serious prospect and the long term successor to Cooper. He's the future and he looks ready now.
8. Liam Cooper - 6.9
For a player some derided in the Championship, he was rock solid in the Premier League. Defended well, was good in the air and led. Injuries cropped up but he always returned in good shape.
9. Diego Llorente 7.4
An injury-ravaged introduction gave way to an excellent end to the season. Aggressive, if sometimes a little over-zealous, defending and ambitious passing caught the eye. Looked a fine addition.
10. Kalvin Phillips - 7.2
A Premier League player. Manchester City at home proved that, after a tough start. His performances in the second half of the season were superb. Showed he can dominate and dictate. Worthy of his England Euros place.
11. Mateusz Klich - 6.4
An up and down season. At times unable to perform as he can. Started really well, dipped and came good again at the end. Went into the summer on a high, with Bielsa's backing.
12. Jamie Shackleton 6.1
Was always going to struggle for game time but the lack of it might just put the idea of a loan move in his head. Very dependable when called upon.