Ex-Leeds United forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes securing Premier League safety would represent a "very good season" for the Whites. Leeds have enjoyed relative success in the opening exchanges of the 2022/23 campaign - collecting eight points from their opening six games.
The Whites are four points adrift of the European qualification places and four points clear of the relegation zone heading into the international break.
Hasselbaink, who scored 42 times in 87 outings for the Whites, insists that preserving their Premier League status would be a good achievement for Jesse Marsch and Leeds.
"If they can improve on last year and make sure that they maintain their Premier League status and improve then they've had a really good season," Hasselbaink revealed in an interview with SafeBettingSites.
READ NEXT: Sonny Perkins passes another audition but must follow well-trodden Leeds United pathway
"They need to keep on improving so that they can keep on building. They’re not going to be in the top six or seven yet. It’s not going to happen. The squad is not big enough for that. But if they can be around between 13th and 10th or ninth then we’ve had a really good season."
Hasselbaink doubted that Leeds could cope without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips and felt they needed to inject Premier League experience into their squad.
However, the Dutchman admits that Marsch and Leeds have proven him wrong after their impressive start to the season.
"I was one of those that thought they were gonna have a very difficult season because of Phillips going and Raphinha going. But they’ve had a really good start," Hasselbaink said.
He added: "I would have liked to see two, three players coming in that have Premier League experience but I have been proven wrong."
READ NEXT
Sonny Perkins hailed as 'goal machine' after hitting the ground running at Leeds United
Leeds United loanee decision explained as Thorp Arch youngster challenged away from Elland Road
Jesse Marsch facing Leeds United striker headache as Patrick Bamford stakes claim
Leeds United's best individual performances as Aaronson announces himself and Rodrigo shines
Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper opens up on Jesse Marsch anger and his Hadi Sacko scuffle
