"Under manager Garry Monk Chris Wood is growing into a great all-round centre-forward," says BBC Radio's Adam Pope, who has commentated on Leeds matches for more than a decade. "He has scored 13 goals already this season and, when you consider he has barely had a chance created for him in some matches, that is a great return. His workrate, his capacity to hold the ball and bring team-mates into play and his aggression have all shown a significant upturn.
"Wood is a striker to be feared."
After finishing 13th last season, no one was predicting much from Leeds, especially with yet another managerial switch (their seventh change since 2014).
"The journey has been good," says Wood, as we stand in the corridor outside the players' cafe. "We started off a bit slow, which was always going to happen because of the changes. [But] the last couple of months we have progressed strongly. To be up near the playoffs is something that we all wanted and this club will go ahead in leaps and bounds if we stay there."
Leeds train at a purpose-built centre at Thorp Arch, a small village 25km from the city centre. It's an impressive facility, with eight grass training fields and two all-weather indoor pitches. There is also a gym, a physiotherapy room, a bio-science testing area and a hydrotherapy pool.
There are signs of former glory. The reception area displays mementos from long-forgotten triumphs - the 1971 UEFA Cup, the 1972 FA Cup, the 1992-93 Division One title - and large framed photos of academy graduates like Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell and Alan Smith remind of what once was.
Leeds reached the Champions League semifinals in 2001 - topping the Premier League in the same year - but have endured an almost constant state of chaos since then. Since David O'Leary's departure in 2002, the club has had 16 managers in 14 seasons. One, Darko Milanic, lasted only six games while Neil Redfearn had four different spells. During that period the club was relegated to the third tier of English football, went into financial administration, lost ownership of their stadium and training centre and were often forced to sell their best players.
Despite the years of torment, Leeds retains a huge following, impatient for a return to the glory days. "It's a heavy shirt," says Pope. "A lot of players struggle with that.
"There is a level of expectation far beyond most other clubs at this level.
"You have to be strong to handle it, but Chris handles it well."
Wood hasn't always been a fan favourite at Elland Road. The club battled for his signature - and paid their biggest transfer fee in more than a decade - but the supporters didn't immediately take to the Auckland-born striker. He scored a respectable 13 league goals from 33 starts last season, but was often criticised for missing chances.
"For a long time there was a funny relationship between him and the crowd," says Phil Hay, the chief football writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post, who has reported on the The Whites since 2005.
"It's a legacy of frustration. If you play well they love you, but they can be quick to get on your back.
"At the start of this season Chris was getting it after two games, but it turned after he scored that overhead kick against Fulham.
"Now they love him."
That goal was a pivotal moment for Wood, and the club. Leeds had lost their first two games, and Wood had been booed off by some sections of the home crowd when he was replaced during the 1-2 defeat to Birmingham. Moments after failing to connect with a far-post header against Fulham, he scored a brilliant equaliser in the 93rd minute. As he celebrated, he cupped his ear to the stands, a not-so-subtle message.
"I don't know if there was anything to prove," says Wood. "There was a lot of frustration on both sides. They vent their frustration in the way that they do, and that was my frustration coming out.
"It was very early in the season and it felt like we needed more support as a team."
Wood feels the expectation. Though he is not usually stopped on the street - "it's a Yorkshire thing; people tend to give you your space" - he is aware the city is desperate for success.
"Fifteen years ago Leeds were one of the best clubs in the country," says Wood. "They have had their highs and lows and it is just unfortunate their lows have been in the last six or seven years. The club is building well and hopefully they can be one of those top clubs again.
"[The expectation] is good in a sense," adds Wood. "You can see where this club could be if we did have success.
"There is a lot of expectation playing for this club. But it is one of those things that you strive for, because if you take this club to any glory, you will be remembered."
Wood is on his way. He has scored 26 goals in 61 games for Leeds, despite often being restricted to a lone ranger role. He has thrived under the calm managerial style of former Swansea mentor Monk and also credits the work of assistant coach James Beattie, the former Southampton and England striker.
"He's done it all in the game so it is good to have him here, with some extra support and ideas for my game." says Wood of Beattie. "He has a lot of good advice."
After seven years as a pro, it feels like Wood is coming into his prime. In 2017 he could have a playoff run with Leeds, before the Confederations Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
"There is a lot to look forward to but you have to take it one week at a time," says Wood. "It would be great to get another chance at the Premier League and there is a good feeling around the national team. It's a good time to be a footballer."
