'I played 236 times for Leeds United - they're a sleeping giant no more with really special season ahead'
Leeds United have ben backed to continue establishing themselves in the Premier League by a club legend.
Leeds United legend Gordon Strachan believes a ‘really special season’ could be on the cards for Daniel Farke and his players.
The Whites currently sit seventh in the Premier League after seven games, their most recent a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United. That there was a tinge of disappointment inside Elland Road at full-time is testament to the progress made exactly 12 months after a 2-0 defeat at Burnley.
Survival was the aim last season and remains Leeds’ immediate priority, but after racking up 40 points as quickly as possible they can start to look up. Their current position of seventh is not undeserved with suggestions of an outside shot at Europe.
Strachan knows what European nights inside Elland Road feel like, having played 236 games for Leeds between 1989 and 1995. And while the former Whites midfielder stopped short of tipping a similar period of success, optimism for what’s to come is high.
“I don’t think Leeds are a sleeping giant anymore,” Strachan told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest Premier League odds. “Leeds is a massive one-club city with incredible support. With the new stadium expansion plans I’d say they certainly have the potential to re-establish themselves among the top clubs in English football.
“What impresses me about Daniel Farke's side is that the supporters recognise the team is giving everything on the pitch and they respond to that. This could be a really special season for Leeds and the future is looking bright there.”
Leeds will hope to continue their impressive start to the season at Sunderland on Sunday. Farke’s side have proven hard to beat this season but could do with turning a few more draws into wins, especially against a side currently bottom of the league.
The Whites will see Sunday’s trip to Wearside as a big opportunity, with hosts Sunderland managing a few key absences including the suspended Kevin Danso. Regis Le Bris’ side also travel to Polish outfit Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday.