Daniel Farke has waxed lyrical about the impact Josuha Guilavogui has had on the Leeds United squad, branding him as one of his best signings as Whites boss.

The 34-year-old midfielder has started just one of his 14 matches since arriving for free in October but his impact on the dressing room has perhaps been his most telling contribution. The seven-time France international is a popular figure at the club, always seen in high spirits.

Guilavogui, formerly of Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg, is only contracted to Leeds until the summer, having signed a short-term deal upon his arrival at Elland Road - which came nearly four months after he was released by German club Mainz.

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Farke has been hugely impressed by Guilavogui’s conduct and general behaviour. “Not just with words, but how he acts as a role model,” the United boss said of his player on Thursday.

Farke - who had told Guilavogui he wanted him to be a ‘mentor’ upon signing in October - went on to highlight that, despite his caps for France and 222 games of experience in the German top-flight, the pivot is humble and refuses to cut corners.

“He’s an unbelievable professional, he prepares for every training session as if it was a Champions League final,” Farke added. “He is one of the last to leave training because he looks after his body, he is the perfect example for all my players but especially the young players.

“He has played many, many important games, with world-class players. To prepare for each and every session, matchday plus-one sessions for a Championship side, to deliver what he does with a smile on his face and encouraging everyone, this is pretty inspiring.

“He is often there with a little speech or some insight. This is what we need. A joy to work with him, one of my best decisions to bring him in. He is one of my best signings at Leeds.”