How do you improve a defence that has been perfect? Or more to the point, do you need to?

Leeds United have had two players operating out of their natural positions over the past three matches amid Pascal Struijk’s absence, yet have kept three straight Championship clean sheets.

Ethan Ampadu - a midfielder by trade - has been playing at centre-half while right-back Sam Byram has been fielded at left-back, as he was for a lot of last season. In this most-recent three-month period, he has scored a goal, assisted another and helped to keep 10 clean sheets.

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His consistent form has allowed Daniel Farke to ease Junior Firpo back into action, rather than rush him back. In fact, as per his form, it would have been a surprise to see Byram dropped.

Speaking to reporters after full-time at Turf Moor following United’s goalless draw with Burnley, the 31-year-old said he feels as though he has hit his stride again.

“I’m in good shape,” said Byram. “I think once you get a run of games under your belt, your body then adapts. I feel good. I’m happy to be helping where I can and just want to keep doing my best.”

Byram has started all but one of the last 11 matches yet there seems little sign of fatigue - his most recent outing, against Burnley, was one of his most fine-tuned. Over the last three matches, Farke has made just one change to his starting line-up.

That came when Ilia Gruev replaced Joe Rothwell in the starting XI on Monday, but Saturday’s home clash with Cardiff City could see a few more rotations.

The likes of Manor Solomon and Daniel James looked a touch slower than in previous matches while Brenden Aaronson, who has begun the last 27 league games, seems like he needs time to recharge and reset.

Farke could decide that Cardiff, who sit 18th, are suitable opposition for rotation - and hand Firpo his first start since sustaining his foot injury over the festive period. The left-back made his first league appearance since December in last week’s win over Norwich City, having made his initial return against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup.

Firpo and Byram offer different qualities at full-back. Both can clearly do their job going both ways but Firpo is visually more adventurous while Byram is more careful to plot his attacks, mindful of what the space he leaves behind when he does.

Firpo’s forward intent produced fruit against Norwich, when his attacking play eventually led to Solomon finding James for the second goal. Cardiff have kept just one league clean sheet in their last 17 matches and have won just one of their 14 away games this season.

It is easy to see how Farke might be tempted to start with Firpo, albeit Byram’s form makes it a tough call. Firpo is out of contract this summer and Farke says he has yet to speak to the player about that amidst the frantic schedule at this time of the season.

There is potentially a delicate dance here. While it is unclear what stance both the club and player are taking ahead of contract discussions, Leeds will surely wish to keep him on given he is their best natural left-back option.

Amid reports linking him with top-flight teams in Spain, Firpo might wish for his future to be decided if or once United secure promotion. At the same time, the 28-year-old has missed 11 games this season through either suspension or injury and so must show he can stay on the pitch.

His stints against Harrogate and Norwich showed that he, obviously, still has so much to give this team and Farke will be keen to see how is fares from the start of a game post-injury. The subsequent fixtures being Coventry City away in the Championship and Millwall at home in the FA Cup provide a good short run for Firpo to get more minutes under his belt.

Afterwards come tough matches against Watford, Sunderland and Sheffield United. Whoever begins at left-back for those fixtures could be stuck with as the primary pick for the rest of the campaign amid the current form of Byram.