Leeds boss Daniel Farke says fit-again midfielder Anton Stach has been "fantastic" this season, with the midfielder available to return in Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has impressed since his £17m move from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the summer, starting 20 Premier League matches and contributing three goals and three assists.
The Whites are impressing in their fight to avoid relegation after promotion back to the Premier League and also see their squad strengthened by the return to fitness of Pascal Struijk and Daniel James.
"Yes, it's a big boost," Farke said in his pre-match news conference.
"Same to have Pascal Struijk back and Daniel James, hopefully for the long term. Anton has been fantastic. He's played a crucial role.
"He perfectly embodies our balance, out of being a physical player who can stand up to the intensity and physicality of this league, but also he's good on the ball. Tactically, he's spot on.
"He's also a top character, also good technique and also good at set-pieces."
Stach's versatility and physicality in midfield has been a welcome addition for Farke, with the German international not needing the time to bed in that many signings from the Bundesliga have done.
"It's very impressive because normally even the top players need time to adapt to the Premier League," Farke added.
"But Anton has more or less been shining from the first game in pre-season and this is quite rare I would say.
"It says a lot about his character and quality and we're happy to have him back after his little injury."