Samuel Saiz has become so important to Leeds United that former Elland Road boss Thomas Christiansen claimed the Spaniard's six-match suspension played a major part in his sacking.

It felt like a long six matches in his absence since his dismissal for a spitting incident near the conclusion of January's embarrassing FA Cup Third Round exit at the hands of Newport County.

Leeds still haven't won a game in that time but they came mightily close last night against Derby County as Saiz made his return as a substitute.

He featured for 35 minutes and set up Ezgjan Alioski's goal that looked to have won the match for Leeds before Kasey Palmer struck deep into stoppage time to deny Paul Heckingbottom his first win as Whites manager.

Saiz is the latest man to come under the FLW spotlight as we examine his impact on the match and try to determine just how important he will be for Leeds in the run-in to the Championship season.

An assist, a key pass and a dribble is not bad for 35 minutes work away from home against a top side and a pass success rate of 80 per cent shows there was very little sign of rustiness from the Spaniard.

Leeds and their fans have certainly missed him but Heckingbottom will need him firing like this for the rest of the season if they are to have any chance of moving up the table before the season is out.

Leeds fans - how good was Saiz last night? Let us know in the comments below...