Leeds United picked up their first victory of pre-season with a 2-0 win against Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Here are our player ratings from the match at the Pirelli Stadium.
First half:
Illan Meslier – 6
Made a really good save from a Danilo header early on and did exactly what Farke would’ve asked him to do in possession before the game.
Luke Ayling – 6
Always feel as though he could do a lot better whenever he gets into crossing positions in the final third. Linked up well with Luis Sinisterra a few times but wasn’t really troubled defensively.
Charlie Cresswell – 6
Looked confident and assured in the most part but needs to cut out those occasional rash challenges, especially when inside the area.
Liam Cooper – 6
Lost the ball a few times from clearances when he perhaps had more time than he thought. Some timely interceptions to put a stop to some Forest attacks, though.
Sam Byram – 7
A really good performance down the left-hand side and you would have no qualms about signing him based on that evidence, particularly on a free.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
A bit looser in possession than on his debut but again was crucial to Leeds‘ build-up from the back. Always asking for the ball and directing others around the pitch.
Jamie Shackleton – 6
A really busy performance in midfield and seems to be getting to grip quite quickly with the job Farke wants his other midfielder to do alongside Ampadu. Covered well for Ayling when he went forward.
Dan James – 7
Much better than against Monaco with some much sharper decisions in the final third. Whipped a few dangerous crosses into the area and should’ve had at least one assist really.
Joe Gelhardt – 5
Struggled in that number 10 position and lost the ball too many times in promising areas of the pitch. Plenty of work to do to establish himself as a regular.
Luis Sinisterra – 8
Just a class above everyone else on the pitch including those in red. Very unlucky not to break the deadlock early on from distance with his weaker left foot as he saw a shot bounce off the post.
Patrick Bamford – 7
Some nice pieces of interplay in and around the box helped Leeds look a lot more fluid in attack. Took his goal very nicely after wasting a couple of decent openings in the first half.
Notable substitutes:
Ian Poveda – 8
Looked really sharp after coming on at half time with some quick feet down the right hand side. Then moved into the number 10 position and looked very impressive, taking his goal very well. Couldn’t have done anymore.
Archie Gray – 6
Wasn’t as effective as against Monaco but again didn’t look out of place despite being just 17.
Darko Gyabi – 6
Didn’t see a massive amount of the ball but tidy when he did get it. Feels like he could really excel when playing alongside Ampadu, rather than instead of.
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