Leeds United‘s Under-21 side continued their march towards promotion in the second tier of Premier League 2 on Monday afternoon at Thorp Arch after a comfortable 4-2 win over Newcastle – and here are out player ratings:
Kristoffer Klaesson – 6
Just looked like he was playing with a weight on his shoulders. Nervous with the ball at his feet, as he continues to struggle to prove why Leeds bought him. Beaten at the near post for Newcastle’s first. Good work from a Newcastle corner on 83 minutes, to stop a goal-mouth scramble. Good from crosses.
Cody Drameh – 8
Pretty standard performance from Drameh at this level, which is beneath him – having won the Cardiff City player of the year award last term while on loan. Lovely assist for Dean’s first, solid at the back. One of our best players.
Kris Moore – 8
Such a threat in both boxes. He opened the scoring for Leeds inside the first minute, with a well-placed header thanks to a gorgeous cross from Charlie Allen. He could have made it two in the first 45 and another chance on 65 minutes – again, from an Allen corner. Very composed at the back, and in possession.
James Debayo – 6
Misread the long ball for Newcastle’s opener despite Carole being out of position. Looked as if he had given up chasing. But stepped out of position well with the ball and confident enough to try some attacking passing.
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Keenan Carole – 5
Out of position for the first as Newcastle lobbed one over the top to Josh Scott, before missing an easy interception for the second – scored by Harry Barclay. Naturally a winger, the defensive frailty was on show – but some good runs.
Morten Spencer – 6
Spencer has been playing in the middle of defence for much of the season, with the 21’s. But he was in his more-natural position. Kept it simple, but misplaced a few passes. Looked more like a centre-back playing in midfield.
Charlie Allen – 9
What a player Allen looks like. Playing as a 10 in front of Spencer and McCalmont, the 18-year-old clocked up his 33rd appearance for the second string. A story in itself. But he got the assist for the first, gorgeous delivery from set-pieces.
Alfie McCalmont – 7
While McCalmont is much more senior than the rest of the Leeds squad, he was hardly head and shoulders above. Neat and tidy. Did little to really sparkle, but rarely gave the ball away. Solid performance from the 22-year-old.
Joe Snowdon – 7
Should have scored after a gorgeous reverse pass from sub Coleman, but somehow he missed. Nice movement and a couple of glimpses – but the Toon goalkeeper was in good form. Made up for it with a neat assist for Dean’s third.
Max Dean – 10
Stunning display from the striker. Opened his account to put Leeds 2-1 up with a wonderful show of strength to toe the ball in. Then, moments later, he took advantage of some woeful Newcastle possession – finishing perfectly. The hat-trick came on 67 minutes, after a gorgeous pass from Snowdon.
Amari Miller – 4
The ex-Birmingham City man has struggled since joining Leeds. Bought for £1.5million in 2021, he scored just four goals last season. His passing was awful and he was hardly involved. On 64 minutes, he had the chance to break with Leeds but his pass into Allen was overhit to Snowdon.
Leeds Under-21 player ratings after win over Newcastle – Subs:
Cian Coleman – 8 (On for Drameh, 60 mins)
As Leeds pushed for more goals, the right-back immediately made an impression in attack. Gorgeous pass into Snowdon who should have scored, before it was his run that saw Dean nab his hat-trick – via a Snowdown pass.
Sonny Perkins – 6 (On for Dean, 78 mins)
Charlie Crew – 6 (On for Snowdon, 78 mins)
