At times on Saturday afternoon, Leeds United found themselves in a right old battle with Bristol City as both sides looked to maintain their unbeaten runs at Ashton Gate.
Daniel Farke was forced into two changes to his Leeds side as The Whites needed to replace Junior Firpo who was serving a one-game suspension, and Largie Ramazani who had picked up an injury on Tuesday.
Sam Byram and Dan James came into the side, going up against a Bristol City team who had also gone on an unbeaten run of six games like Leeds. A frustrating result in the end, as Leeds were held to a 0-0 draw.
Illan Meslier felt Leeds were deserving of all three points, disagreeing with Bristol City star Max O’Leary who felt his side were well worthy of the point they earned. But it was a good day for one Leeds defender.
Sam Byram won every single one of his duels for Leeds United
Leeds manager Farke has a handful of players that pick themselves. Currently, Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Wilfried Gnonto are all first choice.
Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson, arguably, are as well. But with Firpo unavailable on Saturday and now, Bogle suspended for Plymouth’s visit next Saturday, versatile ace Byram had the chance to stake his claim.
He did just that. Not only did he look accomplished in possession and adept out of it, Byram won all eight of his duels. A powerful display, Farke labeled Byram as “outstanding” last term and he was on Saturday.
Sam Byram stakes his claim and will get second Leeds chance
With Plymouth next up and the visit of Wayne Rooney at Elland Road, along with Adam Forshaw, Farke will have to make a decision on who plays at right-back with Firpo back in the XI but Bogle out of it.
Byram’s showing on Saturday will surely see the Leeds manager pick the more-experienced Byram ahead of Plymouth, instead of untested new signing Isaac Schmidt. The latter is more naturally, a right-back.
Sam Byram’s stats as Leeds draw with Bristol City:
- 64 successful passes, 11 unsuccessful passes
- Two chances created
- Four tackles, one clearance, one header
- Eight duels won (out of eight)
Even though, Schmidt is left-footed he has played at right-back for the majority of his spell at St. Gallen and Farke could be tempted to give him a chance against one of the weaker side’s in the Championship.
But, Byram’s performance will be hard to ignore on Saturday and it looks pretty nailed on that the Thorp Arch academy star will get the nod over Schmidt when Rooney, Forshaw and Plymouth come to Yorkshire.
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