Ian Harte delivers bold Leeds United claim involving Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter | OneFootball

Leeds United have three more points after 33 games compared to the 2023/24 season

Ian Harte has claimed the current Leeds United squad is better than last year’s despite the departures of key players in the summer.

The Whites finished third in the Championship in Daniel Farke’s first campaign in charge, missing out on promotion with a play-off final loss to Southampton.

This loss led to the exits of Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), Georginio Rutter (Brighton), Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur) and Glen Kamara (Rennes) from the first team squad.

However, the club are once again in the mix for a top two spot, and could take a big leap towards the Championship title on Monday night with their trip to Bramall Lane to face second place Sheffield United.

Ian Harte makes Leeds United squad claim

Harte believes that Farke’s squad is actually better this year compared to last season despite the incredible individual talent of the previous campaign.

He suggested that the German coach has put together a group of players this term that works better as a unit, praising the squad as a whole compared to 12 months ago.

“If I’m being honest, I think it’s a better team this year than it was last year,” said Harte, via OnlyLeedsBros on YouTube.

“I think there were individuals last year — you had Rutter, Archie and Summerville — great individual talents.

“But I think Daniel has got them playing unbelievable football and a better team unit this year.

“Hopefully, I think they’ll go on and win the league.”

Leeds United’s title hopes

Leeds can take a big step towards winning the Championship title this year with a win against Sheffield United on Monday night.

There are currently two points separating the two sides in favour of the Whites, with both teams winning their previous four league games before this meeting.

A win over the Blades will also give Leeds a seven point lead over third place Burnley going into the final 12 fixtures of the campaign.

Farke’s side visit Sheffield United this evening in an 8pm kick-off.

Leeds performances back up Ian Harte’s case

Leeds have more points at this stage of the season compared to last year, and sit top of the Championship table.

If most teams lost talent of the calibre of Summerville, Gray and Rutter in one summer without massive spending to replace them then they would struggle.

But Farke’s team have continued to perform at a similar standard, if not potentially even better, which is to the coach’s credit.