The first international break of the season is now upon Leeds United.
Daniel Farke can now settle for the first time since taking the Whites’ managerial job after a chaotic two months in the transfer market.
Farke has so far guided Leeds to six points from their opening five matches, winning once, losing once and drawing the remaining three.
While a quicker start would’ve been preferred, Farke will take confidence from the fact last season’s Championship winners Burnley had an identical start.
So, with that in mind, here is how each player has rated in the opening month of the campaign.
Illan Meslier – 7
Has looked far more confident at the beginning of this season than the end of last, and has pulled off some key saves in draws against West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday.
Karl Darlow – 5
Darlow has only featured in the cup games so far but his display against Salford City, particularly in the shootout, means he can’t score above a five.
Luke Ayling – 5
Particularly defensively, Ayling has really struggled so far this season and it is likely he will be replaced by Djed Spence after the break. His equaliser against West Brom saves him from scoring any lower.
Djed Spence – 6
Hard to give him any higher given we have only seen about 10 minutes of him but his cameo against Wednesday was extremely promising.
Joe Rodon – 7
On the whole, Rodon has looked a solid signing so far at the back. You could argue his poorest performance came in the only game Leeds have kept a clean sheet in so far.
Charlie Cresswell – 6
Solid enough in his performances so far but has looked a little rash at times, none more so than Ipswich Town’s third goal at Portman Road.
Pascal Struijk – 8
One of Leeds’ best players so far this season, Struijk looks as though he is getting back to his best form after last year’s struggles. His quality in possession really fits Farke’s style of play.
Liam Cooper – 6
Hard to give him any higher given he got injured in the first match but his goal against Cardiff was crucial to Leeds not losing that game.
Sam Byram – 7
Had made that left-back spot his own up until his injury and really looks like a shrewd addition on a free. Hopefully he can pick up where he left off when he returns.
Leo Hjelde – 4
Had high hopes for him after his pre-season performances but has just not managed to replicate that form in competitive games.
Jamie Shackleton – 7
Has already played about four different positions but has looked solid whenever he has played. Will be a decent squad option this season.
Ethan Ampadu – 9
Leeds’ player of the season so far and at just £7 million, is the best signing they have made in a while. So calm and assured in that midfield.
Archie Gray – 8
Started every match in league and cup at just 17-years-old and has looked excellent in almost all of them. Leeds will need to manage him carefully this season, though.
Glen Kamara – n/a
Came off the bench for two minutes on his debut so impossible to rate him at the moment.
Darko Gyabi – 4
His only real chance came from the start against Shrewsbury where he really failed to show what he can do, before being hooked at half-time.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Was absolutely brilliant in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City, where he frustratingly picked up an injury. Not at his best against Wednesday but is capable of ripping up this league.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6
Would’ve been the same rating as Summerville but for his refusal to play against Shrewsbury, Birmingham and West Brom. Again, he has all the ability to tear the Championship apart.
Ian Poveda – 6
Looked electric coming off the bench against Cardiff but produced a disappointing display when handed a start at Birmingham.
Dan James – 6
Typical Dan James really. Nearly produced some great moments, a little wasteful, worked unbelievably hard but also frustrating.
Joe Gelhardt – 5
He just doesn’t look anywhere near the level he was when he first broke through. Can no longer beat a man like he used to, and too often finds himself out of the game.
Joel Piroe – 6
An excellent debut was followed by an anonymous display against Wednesday. Will only get better as he gets used to the system, though.
Georginio Rutter – 7
Still feel he is incredibly underrated and his price tag continues to cloud fans’ judgement on him. Was unbelievable at Ipswich and but for that poor second half miss against Wednesday, also looked promising in that game.
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