Leeds United's rigorous training methods are hard to match.
That is something which has become evidently clear for every side who has faced the Whites this season. When Leeds outrun their opponents by quite a distance, they tend to outscore them too.
Chelsea - then under the management of Frank Lampard - raised their game considerably in early December, somewhat equalling Leeds' physical output to win 3-1 on the night. However, the team subsequently suffered a loss of form, and Lampard became the latest manager to succumb to the notorious Roman Abramovich chopping block.
Teams certainly do struggle to operate at the same intensity as Leeds, which is part of the reason why it perhaps takes new signings longer to bed in at Leeds than anywhere else.
That is, unless you are Raphinha.
The Brazilian has taken to Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United like a fish to water. One place he has not taken to quite yet is Elland Road - his three goals and three assists have all come on the road - although he is perhaps waiting for supporters to return to the ground to share his first home goal with them.
Raphinha's work-rate has been exemplary and even surpasses many players who have been trained under Marcelo Bielsa for the past two-and-a-half seasons. He has been loosely compared to decorated midfielder Angel Di Maria for his street-footballer aesthetic, never-ceasing endeavour and spindly physique, and it is one which makes plenty of sense.
The area in which he most impresses though, is that work-rate of his.
This season, only two Leeds United players have registered 30 or more sprints in a single game according to Opta: Jack Harrison and Raphinha.
Raphinha though, has now managed it three separate times, versus Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Far from it being a mere coincidence, the winger is quite clearly leading the way when it comes to giving his all.
To be the hardest-working player in the Premier League's hardest-working team is quite something. There aren't too many better accolades that can be bestowed upon a Bielsa player.
Yet again, it's a reflection of the successful recruitment structure in place at the club. When Raphinha became available at the eleventh hour of the window, there was no red tape or bureaucracy standing in the way of Leeds making an offer and securing his services - they simply went and got him.
It could turn out to be one of Leeds' most important and impactful signings in recent times, and certainly one who possesses the most quality.
