Leeds United star Tarik Muharemović makes point about attacking contingent after Crystal Palace blank
Tarik Muharemović has reflected on Leeds United’s start to the Premier League season
Leeds United star Tarik Muharemović has thrown praise in the direction of his attacking teammates - despite their inability to break Crystal Palace down.
The offensive vibrancy on show in Leeds’ dismantling of Newcastle United was not replicated against Palace, who managed to blunt the previously sharp Whites.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin cut an isolated figure in the goalless draw on Sunday (September 20), while the likes of Anton Stach and Jayden Bogle struggled to find their mojo in the final third.
Leeds’ central back three - which was comprised of Muharemović, James Justin and Nico Elvedi - could have been forgiven for airing some frustration about what transpired at the other end.
Praise for attacking contingent
Muharemović, however, was keen to salute the defensive work undertaken by Leeds’ attacking outlets.
The 23-year-old said: “I can't say anything about the offensive players. They did everything against Newcastle. If they didn't score, they helped us to defend and to hold everything in the back, so they helped us.
“Also, the whole team is important at the end, it's not only the defence. Obviously, our role is different from theirs, but at the end, we fight all together and we win all together or lose all together.”
Leeds United taking context into account
It spoke volumes for the progress made by Leeds that an air of annoyance hung over Elland Road in the aftermath of the stalemate.
There was undeniably plenty of disappointment, although Bosnia & Herzegovina international Muharemović was keen to point out Leeds’ record.
After five games, Daniel Farke’s men are unbeaten and sit fifth in the Premier League table with a points tally of nine.
Muharemović said: “He (Farke) said that he's proud of us, that we can be proud of ourselves still being unbeaten in the Premier League.
“I know I said it a lot of times, but to be honest, it's not a small thing to be unbeaten in the Premier League after five games.
“I'm really happy that we still keep playing like this and getting points. Obviously, it would always be better to get three points. But as I said, games like this happen. We'll keep going on the best days and the worst days. We'll be all together and just to reach our goals.”
Life at Leeds United
The international break is now underway and for Muharemović, that means he is required for Nations League duties with Bosnia.
Representing his country is a source of immense pride, although the break from life in West Yorkshire is not one he was itching for.
Since making a £34m switch from Sassuolo in the summer, the centre-back’s enthusiasm for life in LS11 has been on full display.
He said: “I love to be here, especially in such a stadium with such fans. I love to train every day so I just want to work harder and to ensure what I can do together with my teammates to win as many games as possible.
“It is maybe also good to have a bit break off the Premier League but if I am honest, I really enjoy to play here. Since I arrived, every game, it is unbelievable the atmospheres at home especially but also in the away games.”