The 4,770-minute clue behind Leeds United’s success and Archie Gray’s remarkable rise

When it comes to crunch time, Daniel Farke knows he needs 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 in which the Whites took 90 points and still missed out on an automatic promotion place, Farke was able to call on a select group of players to consistently help the forward. And he will need them again against Southampton next Sunday.

The Leeds United boss was unable to call up Pascal Struijk at Christmas while Patrick Bamford was available for less time than he would have liked, but when you examine the number of minutes played by each player this term , then a pattern appears.

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Experts talk about how essential it is to have a strong backbone if you want to be successful and Leeds and not otherwise. Four players have played more than 4,000 minutes for the club in all competitions this season and it shows what Farke will rely on at Wembley next week.

Nobody played more minutes than Ethan Ampadu, with the Welshman’s arrival at Elland Road changing the mood after a summer of upheaval. The former Chelsea man can play the anchor role in midfield but has formed a solid partnership with Wales team-mate Joe Rodon at the heart of the Leeds defence.

No wonder 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 their success this season and much will depend on them meeting the Southampton threat.

While they add experience, Archie Gray (4178) and Georginio Rutter (4120) have proved age is no barrier under Farke, with both being regularly supported by their manager throughout the campaign. Gray’s numbers are remarkable, especially considering he made his first-team debut on the opening day of the season.

Crysencio Summerville’s figures would have been even higher than his already impressive 3,817 minutes had it not been for one of two injuries, but nobody could argue with his contribution to Leeds’ cause, with the Dutchman picking up the player of the year award from the championship.

The quintet of Ampadu, Meslier, Rodon, Gray and Summerville have been the driving force behind Leeds this season and will no doubt be at Wembley again. Farke has relied on them more than anyone this year, and while others like Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo and Glen Kamara will be vital on the day, don’t expect any of the big five to miss out.

Leeds United player minutes 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
• Matthew 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