Leeds United’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester City may have seen a routine defeat to many, but Daniel Farke’s decision to switch to a 3-5-2 system at halftime has changed the club’s season.
The German made the decision to switch away from his 4-2-3-1 system has enabled the Whites to lose just two of their last 13 matches in the Premier League.
Such a run of form has seen the club move away from any looming relegation threat, subsequently now sitting six points clear of the drop zone with 12 games remaining.
The switch in formation has allowed for an added attacking threat in the final third, subsequently three or more times in four matches during the recent upturn in form.
It’s also made the side much harder to beat, as seen by the current form, with numerous members within the backline taking their careers to the next level at Elland Road.
The stats behind Jayden Bogle’s success in 2025/26
Ahead of the promotion-winning campaign in 2024/25, Leeds secured the signature of right-back Jayden Bogle for a fee of just £5m – a deal that now looks to be a bargain.
The 25-year-old registered ten combined goals and assists across all competitions last campaign, subsequently securing his place as a regular starter upon the club’s return to the top-flight.
He’s started 24 times under Farke so far this campaign, arguably being one of the club’s most impressive performers over the last couple of months.
The full-back has now been tasked with operating in a more advanced wing-back role, but it’s certainly allowed him to thrive in attacking areas and in possession.
Bogle has netted his first top-flight goal for the Whites, subsequently scoring the opener during the win over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
His attacking quality has been demonstrated by his tally of 2.4 touches in the opposition box per 90, which ranks him in the top 15% of all defenders in the division.
The former Leeds star who’s now worth more than Bogle
Over the last couple of years, Leeds have been forced to offload numerous top-level talents, after suffering relegation from the Premier League back in the 2022/23 campaign.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter remained at Elland Road despite dropping into the second tier, but a failure to secure an immediate return spelt the end of their time in Yorkshire.
However, numerous players were offloaded even before a return to the Championship was confirmed, with the likes of Tyler Adams making a move for pastures new.
Robin Koch was another who was allowed to depart the Whites, with the centre-back leaving on loan to join Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2023/24 campaign – before joining permanently on a free transfer.
Such a move came after the German made 79 appearances in Yorkshire, after originally joining the club from Bundesliga side Freiburg for a reported £12m.
The transfer failed to hit the heights many expected, which played a part in his return to his homeland, with the 29-year-old now recapturing his best form in Frankfurt.
He’s the Bundesliga’s side club captain, subsequently playing a key role in their efforts for success – even scoring 10 times in the last three seasons.
Koch has been a key part of their three-man defence, the same system as Leeds in 2025/26, which could have made him a perfect fit for Farke’s side.
His 91% pass accuracy rate and average of 61 passes per 90 this campaign showcase his ball-playing ability – which makes him perfect for the Whites’ current system.
The German has also made 1.4 interceptions per 90 this season, along with a 62% aerial success rate – which highlights his incredible ability out of possession.
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Robin Koch – Bundesliga stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
21 |
|
Goals & assists |
3 |
|
Pass accuracy |
91% |
|
Passes per 90 |
61 |
|
Interceptions made |
1.4 |
|
Aerials won |
62% |
|
Duels won |
60% |
|
Dribbles completed |
67% |
As a result of his remarkable performances back in Germany, Koch is now valued at £15m by Transfermarkt, which highlights the mistake the club made in allowing him to depart.
Such a fee is higher than that of Bogle, who’s still only valued at around the £10m mark despite his own incredible form in the Premier League this season.
There’s no doubt that Koch’s move to Leeds was one to forget, but it’s safe to say allowing him to leave on a free was a huge mistake given his recent rise to stardom.
Bogle has been a huge beneficiary of the new system in Yorkshire, but keeping hold of Koch would have certainly handed the club another excellent option in their hunt for survival.
Calvert-Lewin 2.0: Former star is now worth more than every Leeds player
A former Leeds star is in Dominic Calvert-Lewin style form away from Elland Road.
