In a season where Leeds United made a mockery of so many pre-season predictions of relegation, it seems harsh to single one player out of a very good bunch.Daniel Farke’s side finished eight points clear of the drop, and their 47-point tally matches the combined totals of Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who were also newly promoted, last season. In a league table since December 1, after the defining pivot to three centre-backs at Manchester City, United are seventh, with 36 points. This was only bettered by the official top six.Seventeen members of the squad played more than 1,000 minutes, but there are eight who proved to be the core of Farke’s preferred line-up, starting 28 or more of the 38 league matches. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Anton Stach may rue the injuries they have had this term.The latter has been affected more than the former, but if they had each squeezed out three or four more starts, they would have put more pressure on The Athletic’s eventual choice for player of the season.It’s a miracle Gudmundsson has failed to score or assist in the league this season. The Sweden international’s ball-carrying ability has been consistently effective in getting Leeds up the field and into dangerous final-third positions. The final ball or slice of luck was not always there.Stach’s done everything in his first season with the club. Across every part of the pitch, the German has made an impact with his set pieces, shooting, passing, tackling, heading, running and anticipation. He also had a knack for scoring wonder goals, and that’s never a bad thing, but he just needed three or four more starts to put himself out there as the best of the best.Dominic Calvert-Lewin deserves a mention for his priceless 14 league goals at the tip of the attack, but in that position, there have been games where his influence has waned. If United are pinned back for long periods or their No 9 is left isolated, it can be hard for him to shine.