It is fair to say that Tarik Muharemovic has made a brilliant start to life at Leeds United. The Bosnian defender has played every single minute for Leeds and has already started dishing out nicknames.

When Leeds bought Muharemovic for £34m, there was concern that the Bosnia international would struggle to live up to Pascal Struijk. The fact of the matter is, he has helped Leeds fans forget Struijk.

There is a case for Muharemovic to be considered the best signing Farke has made since Leeds were promoted to the Premier League. Certainly, Muharemovic is up there for best signing of 2026.

Tarik’s nicknames for Joe Rodon, Nico Elvedi and James Justin

Earlier this week, Muharemovic explained how Ampadu had helped him settle. He thinks that being given the chance to ease himself into the group, in a World Cup year, has allowed him to play the way he has.

Muharemovic is clearly well-liked. Whether it be the tonnes of Bosnian fans following on social media, or rapping during his initiation song, or even nicknaming his fellow defenders, that has bonded so well.

Leeds have got themselves a bargain with Muharemovic 👊

What did you think of his performance against Sunderland?

Speaking to Graham Smyth on Leeds’ website, Muharemovic says he has a nickname for four of his Leeds defenders. James Justin is “a train”, Joe Rodon is “flash”, Nicol Elvedi is “the brain”, Jaka Bijol is “the tank”.

“James Justin he describes as ‘a train’ who can run for 95 minutes with no issue, and ‘a fighter.’ Nico Elvedi is ‘the brain’. ‘He’s really smart how he defends and so calm on the ball,’ added Muharemovic.

“Joe Rodon is ‘flash’ because of his speed and how he throws himself into duels. He doesn’t care; he just wants to defend. Jaka Bijol is ‘a tank’ – ‘If I saw him outside football, I would say he was a bodybuilder.'”

Is Tarik Muharemovic really better than Pascal Struijk?

Leeds were forced into the £18m sale of Struijk to Brighton, with the former Ajax defender deciding the time was right for a change. He has joined the Seagulls just at the right time, with Brighton on fire.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently the best of the rest at the moment, behind Arsenal and Man City. While Struijk might not be first choice, he is certainly playing an important role at The Amex Stadium.

Is Muharemovic better? Well, the stats above suggest that Struijk might be finding his teammates a little more often, but then Brighton play with more possession. Muharemovic is winning far more tackles.

With Leeds boasting less possession, there might be more opportunity for Muharemovic to make the tackles that have seen Leeds concede just six goals. Little between them, but that in itself is praise.

Muharemovic has only been in England for two months, and already, some would argue he is playing better than Struijk ever did for Leeds. From this point on, he is only going to get better in a Leeds shirt.