Leeds United are having an excellent season under Garry Monk, and he has got his team well in contention for promotion as we enter the crucial phase of the season. 

Monk has managed to bring in numerous new faces and blend them together to create a team which is exciting in attack and solid in defence in the main, and this has led to some excellent performances over the season.

There have been many stars so far for the Elland Road club, and they rightly get a lot of the credit. The likes of Chris Wood, Pontus Jansson, and Ronaldo Vieira rightly taking a lot of plaudits.

However, there are also those players who perhaps were not expected to do quite so well, and have turned out consistent performances on a weekly basis.

With that in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor looks at TWO Leeds United players who have exceeded expectations this season...

Souleymane Doukara

When Leeds brought in a host of new players in the summer, many expected Doukara to surrender a place in the team and be cast out adrift.

However, it has not been the case, and tricky forward has been excellent for Leeds of late.

His pace, skill, and overall attacking threat make him a dangerous opponent, and Leeds fans will be more than happy he has stuck around this season to become a key member of the squad at Elland Road.

Luke Ayling

A new signing, and not the most glamorous either, but Ayling has been a solid performer for Leeds this season.

Defensively sound and also a threat going forward, Ayling has excelled since making the move to Elland Road.

He is one of the most talented full backs in the league, and he has become a key member of the Leeds United squad among a host of other talent at the club.

Leeds fans, what do you think? Agree? Let us know in the comments!