Leeds United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a thriller in Florida against Championship side Wrexham during the early hours of Sunday morning, and suffered a 3-2 defeat.
Daniel Farke’s side completed the first of three games across the pond, initially taking on Wrexham in what was their third pre-season fixture. Phil Parkinson’s men are further ahead in their preparations.
Which player impressed you during Leeds United’s defeat to Wrexham? 👀
Sean Longstaff was our pick!
Leeds, meanwhile, were thrown in at the deep end against the side owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Farke named a side boasting a mixture of first-choice stars and teens like Callum Mills.
After going behind to Kieffer Moore’s opener on 30 seconds, Leeds scrambled the game back to 2-2 at the break. Joel Piroe scored after missing a penalty. Sean Longstaff made it 2-2, only to eventually lose.
Leeds United’s player ratings from 3-2 defeat to Wrexham
Alex Cairns – 5 (replaced by Lucas Perri ’46)
Could do very little about both of Wrexham’s goals, but kept possession nicely and didn’t look out of place at this level. Currently Leeds’ second choice, he is set to drop down the rankings in due course.
James Justin – 5 (replaced by Lane, ’92)
One of three players to see out 90 minutes, which might be a surprise given his injury past. Caught out of possession for the first, but reliable and consistent from there on in.
Joe Rodon – 4
Should have reacted better to Wrexham’s first, holding the line too deep as Kieffer Moore was played in. It was Rodon diving in and missing his tackle that allowed Wrexham to score a second, too. Not his finest.
Alfie Cresswell – 6 (replaced by Ao Tanaka ’46)
The U21’s captain has been playing in midfield for the second string, but looked adept in the middle of defence. Two excellent recovery runs in the first half to deny Wrexham’s counter attack.
Jayden Lienou – 6 (replaced by Jayden Bogle ’46)
Plenty of hype around Wales talent Lienou and he performed admirably, getting forward and keeping possession well. Perhaps should have been closer to Rodon for Wrexham’s second, but solid overall.
Ethan Ampadu – 6 (replaced by Crew ’92)
Slightly quiet but did his job and kept the ball well, as expected of him. Better in the middle of defence when Farke dropped him in alongside Rodon, tidied things up and looked a bit more fluent.
Sean Longstaff – 8 (replaced by Anton Stach ’46)
Brilliant assist for Leeds’ opener, Longstaff played as if he had a point to prove. He found Piroe with a neat pass into the six-yard box. Super finish to make it 2-2, £15m man looked sharp. Lively in both boxes.
Willy Gnonto – 6 (replaced by Ollie Pickles ’76)
The Italy international should have had a higher rating. He got into some good positions, but could not take advantage. Big chance on 40 minutes but wasted it, did get a fortuitous assist for Longstaff’s goal.
Callum Mills – 5 (replaced by Harry Wilson ’46)
Perhaps the surprise of the starting XI, 17-year-old Mills started in the 10 role for Leeds. He showed some nice touches, but was lightweight and gave the ball away too. Plenty of promise, plenty to work on.
Dan James – 6 (replaced by Rhys Chadwick ’76)
A threat throughout his time on the pitch, winning a penalty after a long ball over the top. Deserved a goal or an assist, but a good sign that James was able to both start and last until the 76th minute.
Joel Piroe – 5 (replaced by Lukas Nmecha ’46)
Sporting a new haircut, Piroe would have been delighted to get a penalty inside the first 10 minutes with his future in doubt. He missed, but did get on the score sheet 20 minutes later. Typically quiet while on.
Substitutes
Lucas Perri (replaced Cairns ’46)
Perri is expected to leave Leeds in the next few days for Torino, as Leeds close in on James Trafford and yet, he played last night. Had very little to do until Wrexham’s winner, which he could do little to stop.
Jayden Bogle – 5 (replaced Justin ’46)
Got into some good positions on the right, but Bogle’s crossing was poor. Looked slightly rusty, but his pace and threat in the final third remains. Should have scored with moments left in the match.
Anton Stach – 5 (replaced Longstaff ’46)
Some good moments, including a left-footed cross into the box but like Bogle, was rusty. Perhaps, it was why Farke decided to start the German on the bench. Lost the ball in midfield a few times.
Harry Wilson – 7 (replaced Mills ’46)
Very prominent and kept possession well. Showed some excellent touches and some neat passing without being particularly incisive. Classy effort late on, narrowly over the bar. Good first outing from Wilson.
Lukas Nmecha – 4 (replaced Piroe ’46)
Difficult to recall what the German striker actually did after replacing Piroe at the half-time stage. While Piroe was front and centre throughout the game, Nmecha had little involvement. Late shot blocked.
Ao Tanaka – 5 (replaced Cresswell ’46)
Only just back from World Cup duty with Japan and there will be some tiredness in his legs compared to some of his teammates. It showed, making a tired mistake for Wrexham’s winner, scored by Sam Smith.
Rhys Chadwick (replaced James ’76)
Little involvement after coming on, but did not look out of place. This season, Chadwick will be looking for more game time after such an impressive season with the 21’s – and he needs a good summer.
Ollie Pickles (replaced Gnonto ’76)
One of the breakthrough talents in the U21 side during 2025-26, Pickles has deservedly earned his place on the trip. Like Chadwick, he had little chance to make an impact, but could do so during the summer.
Freddie Lane & Charlie Crew (replaced Justin and Ampadu ’92)
Nice moment for Lane to get his senior debut, and a reminder that Crew is still on the books at Leeds.
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