Paul Warne is more qualified than most to judge where Leeds United's progress stands right now. His Derby County side have faced the Whites twice in December, losing on both occasions.

Sunday's 1-0 victory for Daniel Farke's men was a very different game to the 2-0 Elland Road success at the start of the month, and Warne felt his Rams could have got something out of the Pride Park clash.

Brenden Aaronson's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, but while Warne was encouraged with his own side's performance, he has no doubt over Leeds' class.

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"It is easy for a manager when they lose to say they are the best team they have ever seen," he said. "I think they are the strongest team we have played against. They are the hardest for us to play against. They shuffled the pack but were no weaker. That is the squad they have produced.

"I was really proud of the effort the lads put in. The first 10 minutes we showed them too much respect and looked like it would be a long evening but after that we settled in OK.

"It just looked like we were beginning to fatigue in certain areas and they're bringing on players of a certain ilk and we then make changes to try get the elusive goal but it fell to them. It looked like a well worked goal at the time.

"It felt like it could be a 0-0 where we get one from a set-piece, it didn't look like we would score from open play if I'm honest. But two really tough home games in three days, I'm really pleased with the group."

Leeds now focus on a New Year's home game against Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road, with the the visitors smarting from a 1-0 defeat to Hull City on Sunday.