Sebastiaan Bornauw

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

Battling in 15th position, Leeds United have turned to Belgian defensive enforcer Sebastiaan Bornauw to shore up their backline. The 26-year-old centre-back arrived this summer in a €5m move, bringing his trademark aerial dominance and 1.91m physical presence to Elland Road. In his 4 appearances this season—totaling 180 minutes—Bornauw has maintained a pristine disciplinary record with zero cards, offering exactly the calm authority Daniel Farke demands at this crucial juncture. Positioned as the defensive anchor alongside midfield shield Ethan Ampadu and full-backs James Justin and Jayden Bogle, Bornauw's 60 defending rating reflects his no-nonsense approach to protecting the Leeds goal. While still adapting to the relentless Championship pace, his ability to win headers and organize the backline provides the foundation for Leeds to climb away from the drop zone. With his contract running until 2029, Bornauw represents both immediate defensive steel and long-term stability for a club desperate to rediscover its Premier League ambitions.