"Phenomenal" - Sky Sports pundit drops Leeds United claim involving Joe Rothwell, Ao Tanaka | OneFootball

Tanaka and Rothwell have both been inspired signings for Daniel Farke

Don Goodman has waxed lyrical over the influence Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have had on Leeds United's midfield, whilst stating that he still expects the Whites to win the league title.

Leeds' performances so often tend to come under the microscope in the Championship, such is the expectancy that comes from those within the club, the well-documented supporter base, as well as those on the outside.

Daniel Farke came ever-so-close to restoring the club's Premier League status at the first time of asking, before falling short at the hands of Southampton in the play-off final back in May.

However, despite plenty of readjustments taking place at Elland Road in the off-season, which included high-profile departures in the form of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, Farke's side haven't let further depletions impact their start to the current season as they sit third, heading into the international break.

Despite still having one of the Championship's strongest squads on paper, the start to Leeds' campaign has been far from plain sailing on the injury front, which has seen them lose the services of both Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu for lengthy periods.

However, the additions of both Rothwell and Tanaka have been a stroke of genius for United's German boss, as well as adding further strength-in-depth with the recent free agent acquisition of former Wolfsburg midfielder, Josuha Guilavogui.

Taking these factors into account on top of their array of dominant performances in the opening three months of the season, Goodman still expects United to secure the title ahead of their fellow early-season pace-setters Sunderland and Sheffield United.

“Leeds United are absolutely still my favourites for the title despite their injury problems. They've dominated pretty much every game they've played, even the ones they have lost, with the possible exception of the second league game of the season against West Bromwich Albion," the Sky Sports pundit stated.

“There's nothing obviously wrong at the moment. The only worry is that they're missing a few chances and are without key players. But look how well Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have done in the absence of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. They've been phenomenal and the rest of the league will be worried by the fact that Leeds are only going to get stronger," he added.

Goodman concluded: “They're two points off the top and you can't see them getting weaker, so they'd absolutely be my favourite”

Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell's influence on Leeds United's midfield has been vital

After losing the availability of two players who were so influential in Leeds' promotion bid last term, it was pivotal that the likes of Tanaka and Rothwell stepped up to the mark, despite not being at the club for long.

And, it would be fair to say that particularly in the case of the Japanese midfielder, that was reflected more than ever in the month of October, with the £2.95m summer recruit winning the club's Player of The Month award.

Furthermore, Rothwell's ability to control the game in the middle of the park has also been key for Farke, despite the fact the 29-year-old, who won promotion at Leeds' expense with the Saints in May, has only averaged 51 minutes per game in the maiden 15 encounters of the season.

However, as referenced by Goodman, United are showing no signs of letting up at this moment in time, having lost just one of their last 10 games.

With Ampadu and Gruev potentially available in the latter stages of the season, the strength-in-depth in midfield areas for Farke to choose from could be a key factor in deciding the club's promotion fortunes.