Tarik Muharemović has made an impressive start to life at Leeds United, but the Bosnia and Herzegovina international believes there is still much more to come.
The 23-year-old centre-back quickly earned an important role in Daniel Farke's side during the opening weeks of the season. His performances were also recognised by the supporters, who voted him Leeds United's Player of the Month for August.
Muharemović featured prominently as Leeds went unbeaten through their opening three Premier League matches, collecting five points. For a defender experiencing English football for the first time, his early influence has been one of the most encouraging aspects of the club's start.
Muharemović happy with his first performances
Reflecting on his opening weeks at Elland Road, Muharemović made clear that he is pleased with his performances but does not believe he has reached his full level.
“I’m absolutely happy with my performances,” Muharemović said.
The defender added that he knows he can do much more and continues to work hard in training. He also credited his teammates, the coaching staff and the club for helping him settle into a new environment so quickly.
That support has allowed Muharemović to focus on his own game. His first Premier League appearances have already shown several of the qualities that defined his development in Italy: physical defending, confidence in aerial situations and a willingness to take responsibility with the ball.
The Premier League was a dream
Muharemović also spoke enthusiastically about the tempo of Premier League football. Rather than finding the intensity uncomfortable, he explained that it is one of the aspects he enjoys most.
He likes being involved in possession, passing out from the back and defending, while the constant rhythm of matches means there is rarely a moment for players to switch off.
“It was always my dream to play in the Premier League because it is the best league in the world,” Muharemović said.
Reaching England represents another major step in a career that has taken him through Austrian football, Juventus Next Gen and Sassuolo before his move to Leeds United.
Early trust at Leeds United
Perhaps the most significant part of Muharemović's first weeks in England is how quickly he has gained responsibility.
He has not been treated simply as a long-term signing who needs months before being ready for competitive action. Instead, he has already been trusted in important matches and given an opportunity to establish himself in the Leeds defence.
The supporters' decision to name him Player of the Month for August reflects the impression he has made in a short period of time. Individual recognition, however, does not appear to have changed his focus.
Muharemović continues to emphasise improvement, hard work and the importance of the people around him. His message is clear: he is happy with the beginning, but he expects more from himself.
A strong beginning with more to come
Leeds finished the opening three league rounds unbeaten and had five points on the board, providing Muharemović with a positive platform for the next stage of the season.
There will inevitably be more difficult periods over the course of a full Premier League campaign, but the opening weeks have already answered an important question: Muharemović looks capable of competing for a serious role at this level.
His progress at the club can be followed through our Leeds United career overview, while his season numbers are updated on the Tarik Muharemović statistics page.
For Muharemović, playing in the Premier League may have fulfilled a long-held dream. Judging by his own words, however, reaching it is only the beginning.
