It won't be long before Leeds United are above Sunderland and Sheffield United after recent development | OneFootball

Largie Ramazani's return will unlock more from Willy Gnonto for Daniel Farke and Leeds United in the race for automatic promotion.

Largie Ramazani has proven himself to be a real difference-maker for Leeds United, and his early return from injury could kick the Whites' season on to leapfrog the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland.

Despite the signing of Manor Solomon and the presence of Willy Gnonto as left-wing competition, Ramazani has quickly emerged as a key attacking outlet down the left-flank for Leeds since joining the club, with his versatility allowing him to function effectively both as a touchline winger and as an inverted forward.

His ability to stretch the pitch and run in behind, to hug the touchline, as well as to beat his marker makes him a natural wide player, but his inclination to cut inside adds another dimension to his game. Leeds have seen that already with three goals and an assist in eight league matches, with just six of them coming from the start thus far.

Crysencio Summerville left huge boots to fill at Elland Road. The 2023/24 Championship Player of the Year scored 21 and assisted a further 10 last season in 49 games in all competitions. However, Ramazani is a player who will be a big differential in the final third in his own right, as he has proven to be so far.

Largie Ramazani could be key to Leeds United and Daniel Farke success

The Belgian's early combination play with Gnonto was a highlight of Leeds’ attacking movement in the first few months of the season, with the pair building a promising relationship both off and, crucially, on the pitch through fluid interchanges, quick link-ups, and constant positional rotation; Ramazani's goal from Gnonto's assist at Norwich City was the prime example of that.

Ramazani’s ankle injury, therefore, was a huge blow to Leeds, especially with the momentum he had been building alongside Gnonto. The winger's absence is keenly felt, particularly as he brings speed, mobility, and athleticism to the side — attributes that make him a constant threat to opposition defences and allow Leeds to run in behind and beyond the opposition's defensive line, which very few of their forwards do regularly.

It was untimely, to say the least, with the young Belgian starting to hit his stride. It was believed that the earliest he could make a return was late in November, coming as a real blow to the club and various other attacking pieces whom he was building relationships with.

His agility, coupled with his dribbling prowess, allows him to drive at defenders with real dynamism, forcing mistakes and creating space for both him and his teammates, which was getting more out of the young Italian when he found himself inverted to combine in-field with Brenden Aaronson and Ramazani.

His match-winning capabilities when combined with his instinctive decision-making, make him one of the league's best wingers and it's likely he will take the majority of Leeds' left-wing minutes this term. However, he is proving to be the full package and perhaps the Summerville replacement they needed.

Another standout aspect of Ramazani's game, which Leeds are currently missing, is his ability to strike the ball well with either foot, making him unpredictable in front of goal. His willingness to shoot or play passes off both feet adds a layer of versatility to Leeds' attack, allowing him to take on defenders and create chances for himself or teammates from various angles. Impressively, two of his three goals for Leeds have come from his weaker left foot, highlighting his confidence and composure in finishing, regardless of the situation.

Both of Leeds' star wide players have a knack for creating something out of nothing, which has been a real asset for Leeds; without him, the team loses that cutting edge and unpredictability in attack. Ramazani's blend of pace and attacking instinct is something few players can replicate, making his return from injury one of the most anticipated moments in the early season for Leeds fans.

It could be coming sooner rather than later, with Ramazani perhaps hinting that he is ahead of schedule in a recent Instagram story post:

Ramazani's return is ominous for Sheffield United and Sunderland

If Ramazani is in any way ahead of schedule, or closer to being back at the four-week mark instead of the six-week mark, then it is bad news for Sheffield United and Sunderland ahead of Leeds. The race for promotion will hot up further after the international break, and Leeds look like having more of their squad available than the difficult situation they were in just mere weeks ago.

Ramazani's ankle issue came at the worst time after he was making the left-wing slot his own, but also because Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev had been struck down by issues of their own at a similar time. The latest update teased by the winger will bring even more optimism to a club who have been more positive following a good start to the season after a turbulent summer of outgoings.

It should be no real surprise that Ramazani has proven to be a shrewd acquisition already, given that the 23-year-old was a shining light for Almeria last season despite their relegation. His age means that he has plenty of room to develop and improve from here before he hits his peak, but early signs are already extremely positive.

It was a costly deal to bring the young Belgian across to Leeds from Spain, with Fabrizio Romano stating that a fee of around €11.7 million (£10 million) was agreed in the total package, including the add-ons. A 15% sell-on clause was also included to bring the dynamic winger to Elland Road.

Ao Tanaka has been brilliant of late, and may well prove to be Leeds' best signing from the summer transfer window, but Ramazani's contribution and decisive ability is being somewhat forgotten due to his absence. Such quality has to be a concern for Sunderland and Sheffield United in the coming weeks after the current break in the regular league season.