Leeds United boss Daniel Farke reveals what has been 'exceptional' about club's Premier League return

While the smart money was on Leeds' season being an attritional grind and fight for survival before a ball was kicked in August, the action so far - certainly since late November - has constituted a pleasant surprise.

Daniel Farke's side are bringing more to the table.

In a comparatively healthy league position ahead of Monday's trip to Everton - albeit with work still to do to secure their Premier League status for next season - Leeds' attacking data is beginning to provide succour as well.

In terms of goals scored ahead of this weekend's programme, Leeds' tally of 30 goals in 22 games so far was bettered only in the bottom half of the table by Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Brighton. They have also scored more goals than two sides currently in the top ten in Sunderland and Everton.

Their statistics in terms of big chances created also auger well, with Leeds ranked in ninth place - above their opponents on Monday as well as Spurs and Aston Villa - prior to this weekend.

Within that, Farke has been heartened by a strong contribution from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with able support from fellow striker Lukas Nmecha in particular.

He said: "I think it's quite exceptional for a side who is back in the top flight to be able to create so many chances.

"Although we could have been a bit more effective sometimes in terms of using the chances, at least in terms of expected goals table, I think we would be even in a way better position.

"We could have been a bit more effective at times, but overall to score so many goals is quite impressive and quite important. It's also a bit like a proof of our DNA and approach.

"We will never be happy just to ‘park the bus’ and put the ball over the stand into the next river. We always want to be the protagonists and be proactive and score goals. This is how we play at home or away.

"On the other hand, good balance is always needed. I don't judge my offensive players like Lukas, for example, or Dominic or Noah (Okafor) just by their goals and their assists. It's also what they do for the team in terms of their pressing, their work against the ball.

"And there they also have to deliver."

Leeds make their first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday against an Everton side who have rediscovered their old selves under David Moyes, enjoying his second spell on the blue half of Merseyside.

Farke sees plenty to admire at Everton, as Leeds strive to consolidate back in the big time.

He continued: "Overall, as a manager of Leeds United, I don't like to praise the other clubs too much, but it's of course also a club of huge potential.

"They have all the chances also to progress further on the table and then not just to speak about being solid but also to make the next steps.”