Leeds United are flying in the Sky Bet Championship, currently sitting fifth in the league, despite their dramatic loss to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town last weekend.

Garry Monk’s men are on course for their highest finish in nearly a decade, and a promotion push looks on the cards at Elland Road, not something you'd have assumed at the start of the campaign.

Despite their league position, Monk was not as active as some managers during the January transfer window, rather keeping the tight-knit group of players who've proved so impressive thus far.

Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy departed the club on-loan and Alex Mowatt joined local rivals Barnsley.

Leeds’ business came late in the transfer window with Mo Barrow joining from Swansea and Alfonso Pedraza arriving from Villarreal on deadline-day.

While the latter only made somewhat of a cameo during the thrilling affair at the John Smith's Stadium, he certainly did prove exciting when on the ball.

With that in mind, we look at TWO reasons why the latter, Pedraza, should start every game for Leeds…

Natural left-sided player

Out of Leeds’ current left midfield options, every player is right footed.

Stuart Dallas, Souleymane Doukara and Kemar Roofe have all featured on the left side this season, but do not offer balance to the Leeds side.

Pedraza made his debut during the 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town and nearly scored with his first touch, a long-range effort which forced goalkeeper Danny Ward into a fine save.

The Spanish under-21 international played on the left of midfield and constantly looked to take on his man.

Pedraza will offer Monk balance to his midfield, and the return of full-back Charlie Taylor could see Leeds’ left side become an attacking threat.

Unpredictability

Hadi Sacko is currently the only winger Leeds have at their disposal who is unpredictable.

Dallas, Roofe and Doukara all offer Monk a steady option in the wide areas, with good defensive work and attacking threat.

However, Leeds have been at their best this season with Sacko in the side. His electric pace and trickery have caused defences all kinds of problems.

Sacko has often lacked consistency, and the introduction of Pedraza will give Leeds another dimension, with his unpredictable skill.

If the Spanish youngster can find consistency, he will give Leeds another option in the wide areas if Sacko is not at his best.

Leeds fans… Do you think Pedraza should start Leeds’ next game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!