23-year-old was the one Leeds United player who deserved any credit from Sunderland defeat last night

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Leeds United’s pursuit of the automatic promotion spots hit a major bump in the road last night with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

Much in the same way of the loss by the same scoreline at Stoke City back in October, Leeds were a long way from their best at the Stadium of Light and were punished for it.

Despite the hectic schedule, Daniel Farke opted against rotating his side following the weekend win at Blackburn Rovers, with Djed Spence the only enforced change, as he came in for Sam Byram.

Due to Leeds’ problems at left-back, Spence had to fill in there on his full debut for Leeds and was perhaps the only player who can come away from last night with any credit.

While there were, understandably, moments in which he looked a tad rusty, immediately you can see exactly what the 23-year-old is going to bring to Leeds in the second half of the season.

Spence impressive on full Leeds debut

Spence was heavily involved down that left-side most of the night and was able to complete two successful dribbles, with his pace and power a clear asset of his.

He was also neat and tidy in possession, completing 36 of his 40 attempted passes at a success rate of 90%, two of which went down as key.

Spence also looked strong defensively, too. He did not get dribbled past on any single occasion and also made a superb second half block by throwing his body at a goal-bound shot.

With that in mind, Leeds can take positives out of the fact he was so good, and when he eventually returns to his favoured right-back spot, he will be even better.

Leeds are going to need him to be at his very best in the second half of the season if they have any chance of catching the Championship’s two pace-setters.