While Leeds United's title charge is currently on pause, it would be wise to delve back into the season so far and assess exactly why the west Yorkshiremen find themselves top of the throne with only nine games remaining.

It can be argued that Marcelo Bielsa's side are favourites for promotion as they hold a seven-point cushion to the playoff positions, meaning it will surely only take a catastrophic collapse - or the season being voided - to stop them earning a return to the English top-flight for the first time since 2004.

There are a number of shouts for 'Player of the Season', you can make an argument for the majority of the starting XI.

Kalvin Phillips, watched by England boss Gareth Southgate this season, is one example. His niche yet specialist role as the team's lynchpin is absolutely a systematic need.

And then there's Ben White, the Brighton loan starlet pulling up forests - not trees - at Elland Road, so much so that he's attracting interest from the Premier League's elite like Liverpool.

But the underrated, unsung hero of the campaign so far has to be Stuart Dallas, who has given Bielsa unwavering dedication and versatility to play in a multitude of positions.

Stuart Dallas tackles

Here is his against Huddersfield Town, playing in midfield, putting in a tackle against their player but this is just one of many positions he's been utilised in this campaign alone.

In 38 appearances, the Northern Irishman has played 31.5% at left-back, 29% at right-back and the remaining 39.5% in midfield. He's been the very definition of a utility man.

Stuart Dallas celebrates with teammates after goal v Stoke

This is epitomised above as he celebrates with his teammates after finding the net against Stoke City back in August, coincidentally his first game in midfield of the season having played the first four league matches at right-back.

The 28-year-old has been consistent across the board too, only going to show that he's such a key part of Bielsa's squad.

Per WhoScored, Dallas is averaging 2.2 tackles, 2 longballs and 1.6 shots each game in the Championship - a dangerman at either end of the pitch, wherever he's told to play.

Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below...

Which is exactly why he deserves huge credit for being such a consistent player, and thus, Leeds' unsung hero for the 2019/20 season. Those final nine matches, if they happen, aren't going to swing the gong in anyone else's favour.

Don't forget to thank the man that vetoed his signing in 2015 either, former chairman Massimo Cellino. The Italian business dropped a lot of clangers at Elland Road, for sure, but he deserves every bit of praise for allowing ex-boss Uwe Rosler his former Brentford ace.

Here's to you, Stuart Dallas.

While in other news, Drastic measure would be DEVASTATING for Leeds...