Daniel Farke's strongest Leeds United XI with decisions made on Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani

The final international break of 2024 is the perfect time to take stock and evaluate Leeds United's season.

As far as Daniel Farke is concerned, the Championship will start to take shape between now and March. The Whites boss has declared himself satisfied at their league place.

"We have brought ourselves into a good position," said Farke after their hard-earned win over Queens Park Rangers. "The most important thing is the points tally. Twenty nine is good at this point."

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Farke added that he is "pleased with performances" and their "approach". His miserly defence have conceded just nine goals, racking up nine clean sheets.

Credit Farke for finding solutions to their injury "sucker-punches". Wins followed defeats to fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley and Millwall, underlining the team's character and quality.

But when everybody is fit, what is United's best starting XI? Well, the back five picks itself. Illan Meslier is their undisputed No 1. Jayden Bogle is getting better with every passing week at right-back. Junior Firpo has performed at a consistently high level this calendar year to nail down the left-back spot. Few would argue that Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk are the best centre-back pairing in the division.

Farke will be spoilt for choice in midfield as soon as Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev recover from their respective knee injuries. The duo dovetailed effectively together in the middle of the park at the start of the season.

Injuries to Ampadu and Gruev prompted the Whites to dip into the free agents market and sign Josuha Guilavogui. The experienced Frenchman has shown glimpses of what he has got to offer in his brief cameos.

But the reality is in Farke's double pivot is that it is Ao Tanaka plus another. The Japan international has been a revelation since moving to Elland Road. His vision and creativity from deep are integral to the way United play. A tenacious, hard-working footballer, Tanaka is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Ampadu brings aggression and steel to the midfield operation. Given Ampadu's experience playing the holding role, he can take some of the defensive responsibilities off Tanaka and allow his team-mate to get forward and support the attack.

And what of the wide positions? Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, Daniel James and Manor Solomon are battling it out for two places.

Gnonto is one of the top attacking talents outside of the Premier League. He edges out James for the right wing spot.

Ramazani, an astute £10m summer buy from Spanish side Almeria, acquitted himself extremely well before the injury. His pace and trickery gives the Whites more unpredictability on the flanks. Tottenham loanee Solomon has so far flattered to deceive and win over United supporters.

There are a lack of genuine options in the No 10 position, but Brenden Aaronson has done well there. Don't be surprised if the Whites sign another player in this area to increase competition for places when the transfer window reopens in January. Farke wanted a new No in the last window following the sale of Georginio Rutter to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford have all featured up front this season. Piroe has been involved in every match, contributing six goals and two assists. The shirt is his for now.

United's best XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Tanaka; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe.