Leeds United's second season back in the Premier League has been a difficult one. They have spent the majority of the season embroiled in a relegation battle but results at the weekend have seen the Whites move nine points clear of the bottom three on 33 points.
Given that the last five seasons have seen 35 points as enough to stay up, Leeds are very close to being assured of their top level status for another year. With that in mind, thoughts will soon move to planning for next season and the transfer window but before that, comes end-of-season awards.
Last season, there were so many excellent performances that it was difficult to decide on a top three for the Player of the Season award. This time around, amid Leeds' struggles - and potential candidates such as Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper missing much of the season injured - there aren't as many players competing for the award but Leeds Live has assessed the main candidates to be named Player of the Year.
Raphinha
The Brazilian is clearly the front-runner, with the winger scoring ten goals and assisting three more. Without Patrick Bamford for large parts of the season, Leeds have heavily relied upon Raphinha for attacking output and he has delivered a goal or assist in eight of the 17 games in which the Whites have picked up points this season.
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One downside about his form being so good is that he has attracted more suitors. Barcelona are expected to make a bid for him this summer.
Adam Forshaw
The midfielder's inclusion on this list is something of a miracle. He returned to the team in October after two years injured and has played as if he never missed a beat. Despite Leeds' difficult results, Forshaw has shown that he is a Premier League calibre midfielder.
Incredibly, he has managed 22 appearances. He has only missed three Premier League games since making his return from injury and signed a contract earlier this season, ensuring that he will play for the club again next season.
Jack Harrison
After a fantastic debut season in the Premier League last season, Harrison struggled in the first half of 2021/22. He seemed to be the one feeling the loss of Bamford the most, as much of his role in Marcelo Bielsa's system was to provide crosses for the number nine. Without him, he found it difficult to adapt.
However, Harrison has been superb in 2022. The 25-year-old scored the opening goal in the win against Burnley, before hitting a hat-trick in the 3-0 away win at West Ham.
Since the arrival of Jesse Marsch, he has taken up a narrower role and scored in three consecutive games. He scored the first goal in the Whites' comeback win over Wolves, before opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and putting the finishing touch on the 3-0 victory over Southampton.
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Stuart Dallas
Another player who hasn't hit the same heights as last season is double Player of the Season winner, Stuart Dallas. The Northern Irishman has still played an important role for the team though and continued his record of featuring in every single Premier League game since the Whites were promoted.
This is despite Forshaw stating that Dallas 'plays injured most weeks.' Again, Dallas has been moved all around the pitch as needed. However, he has primarily played at left back this season.
Luke Ayling
Ayling is perhaps a controversial inclusion in this list as he has been poor at times this season. Given Leeds' league position, this is true of most of the players, though. In Ayling's case, despite some poor performances, his sheer force of will and leadership qualities have played an important role in Leeds picking up points.
He was inspirational in the comeback at Wolves and it was no surprise to see him score the winner after the way he drove his team forwards. He also played an important part in seeing out the victory at West Ham and played centre back in the win over Burnley, doing an excellent job on Chris Wood.
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