Leeds United’s Sean Longstaff has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders this season, matching some of the division’s biggest attacking names in key metrics.
So far in the 2025/26 campaign, no player has created more big chances than Longstaff. The Leeds midfielder has produced five, placing him joint-top of the league alongside Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, as well as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Longstaff’s creativity has come to the fore in crucial moments — crafting big chances against West Ham, Burnley, Tottenham, and twice against Bournemouth. Two of those have resulted in assists, coming in Leeds’ victories over West Ham and Bournemouth.
It’s an impressive return for a player often praised for his work rate and tactical discipline, in what are his first nine league games since joining from Newcastle in the summer.
Longstaff’s influence goes beyond those headline-making big chances. He also currently ranks fourth in the Premier League for total chances created (18) — behind only Bruno Fernandes (24), Jack Grealish (20), and Gakpo (19).
That puts the 27-year-old ahead of several established playmakers across the division and highlights the evolution of his role under Daniel Farke. With Leeds adapting to life back in the top flight with wins over Everton, Wolves and West Ham, Longstaff has become a key creative outlet in midfield — linking play, progressing possession, and delivering from advanced areas.
NUMBERS THAT TELL THE STORY
Longstaff’s broader statistics in the Premier League underline his consistency and all-round contribution:
Appearances: 9
Minutes played: 656
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Big Chances Created: 5
Chances Created: 18
Shots: 8
Pass accuracy: 85.3%
Successful crosses: 17
Touches: 416
Tackles: 27
Duels won: 45
Interceptions: 5
Recoveries: 27
It’s a balance of industry and incision. His 17 successful crosses highlight strong delivery from both wide and half-space positions, while his defensive metrics - 27 tackles, 45 duels won, and 27 recoveries - reflect the pressing intensity that has defined Leeds’ approach this season.
