The 4770-minute clue behind Leeds United's success and Archie Gray's remarkable rise
When it comes to the crunch, Daniel Farke knows he has to be able to rely on key players to deliver for Leeds United. And they don't come much bigger than next weekend's Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Throughout a season which saw the Whites notch 90 points and still miss out on an automatic promotion spot, Farke has been able to call on a select group of players to consistently power the side forward. And he will need them again against Southampton next Sunday.
The Leeds United boss has been unable to call on Pascal Struijk since Christmas, while the likes of Patrick Bamford has been available for less time that they would have liked, but when you examine the number of minutes played by each player this term then a pattern emerges.
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Experts talk about how essential it is to have a strong spine if you are to be successful and Leeds and no different. Four players have played more than 4000 minutes for the club in all competitions this season, and it shows which Farke will be relying on at Wembley next week.
No one has played more minutes that Ethan Ampadu, with the Welshman's arrival at Elland Road changing the mood after a summer of upheavel. The former Chelsea man can play the midfield anchor role, but has formed a solid partnership with Wales team-mate Joe Rodon at the heart of the Leeds defence.
It's no surprise that Ampadu (4770), Rodon (4294) and goalkeeper Illan Meslier (4213) have played more minutes than anyone else in the Leeds squad. The trio have been at the heart of the success this season, and much will depend on them dealing with Southampton's threat.
While they add the experience, Archie Gray (4178) and Georginio Rutter (4120) have proved age is no barrier under Farke, with both backed by their manager regularly throghout the campaign. Gray's numbers are remarkable, especially given the fact he made his first-team debut on the opening day of the season.
Crysencio Summerville's numbers would have been even higher than the already impressive 3817 minutes had it not been for one of two injuries, but no one could argue with his contribution to Leeds' cause, with the Dutchman picking up the Championship player of the year award.
The quintet of Ampadu, Meslier, Rodon, Gray and Summerville have been the driving force behind Leeds this season and will no doubt be again at Wembley. Farke has relied on them more than anyone this year and, while others such as Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo and Glen Kamara will be vital on the day, don't expect any of that big five to miss out.
Leeds United minutes players 2023-24
Ethan Ampadu 4770
Illan Meslier 4313
Joe Rodon 4294
Archie Gray 4178
Georginio Rutter 4120
Crysencio Summerville 3817
Joel Piroe 2999
Glen Kamara 2970
Daniel James 2691
Junior Firpo 2274
Sam Byram 2246
Ilia Gruev 2244
Willy Gnonto 2124
Pascal Struijk 2123
Patrick Bamford 1616
Jamie Shackleton 1016
Liam Cooper 1008
Jaidon Anthony 857
Luke Ayling 848
Connor Roberts 413
Mateo Joseph 402
Joe Gelhardt 319
Djed Spence 390
Charlie Cresswell 313
Karl Darlow 305
Kristoffer Klaesson 270
Ian Poveda 248
Luis Sinisterra 218
Leo Hjelde 180
Darko Gyabi 45
Cody Drameh 21
Sam Greenwood 21