Leeds United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ajax in the first of two friendlies against the Dutch giants. Max Dean won and scored a penalty late on, with Leeds already 3-0 down. Here are the Leeds player ratings, following the defeat to Ajax:
GK – Dani van den Heuvel: 5/10 – Could do very little about goals conceded, made a couple of solid saves. Kicking needs enormous work, multiple clearances very questionable.
RB – Cody Drameh: 8/10 – Arguably Leeds best from 23’s last season, Drameh was excellent throughout. Defensively solid, but got his side up the other end of the pitch on numerous occasions. Excellent.
CB – Kris Moore: 8/10 – Perhaps a surprise inclusion, Moore was solid. Positioning perhaps slightly off, but a couple of goal-saving tackles to deny Ajax more goals.
CB – Nohan Kenneh: 5/10 – At fault for Ajax’s first, missing interception and left out of position. Slightly shaky in possession, not his best showing in a Leeds shirt. Unlucky to have goal disallowed.
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LB – Liam Cooper (Replaced by Liam McCarron, 45): 7/10 – Out of position, Cooper was excellent going forward – playing some lovely passes into attacking areas. Slipped for first goal, not his fault.
CDM: Adam Forshaw (Replaced by Jack Jenkins, 45): 7/10 – Forshaw was excellent for much of his 45-minute showing. But lapse in concentration almost saw him concede possession and a goal on edge of area.
CM: Kalvin Phillips (Replaced by Charlie Allen, 45): 6/10 – Rusty. Phillips used in more attacking role than one used to at Leeds – but looked a yard off. Some nice touches and passes, but used to a lot better.
CM: Sam Greenwood: 6/10 – Struggled to get involved in first half but much more present in second. Aggressive, but Ajax’s excellent midfield smothered the ex-Arsenal talent. Gorgeous pass to Summerville in second 45.
LW: Ian Poveda: 7/10 – Brilliant couple of moments, including second-half chance in which he showed some twinkle toes to produce golden moment. Failed to score when he should have. But looking very sharp.
ST: Tyler Roberts (Replaced by Max Dean, 45): 6/10 – Lead the line well and up for the challenge against Mexico international Lisandro Magallan. Did not get the service needed, certainly did not have a chance.
RW: Helder Costa (Replaced by Crysencio Summerville, 45): 4/10 – Very poor. Lost possession on numerous occasions. Drameh more of a threat from right-back. Looks as though he is lacking in confidence.
Player ratings: Leeds substitutes against Ajax:
LB: McCarron – 8/10: Very hard-working and pinched possession back a couple of times. New position, naturally a winger – but looks right at home. Solid showing in front of Marcelo Bielsa.
CM: Jenkins – 4/10: A stark contrast to Forshaw. Out of position, questionable range of passing. Not enough, unfortunately. Alfie McCalmont far and away above the young midfielder.
CM: Allen – 5/10: Much like Greenwood in first half, quiet. Number of safe passes and solid touches but did little to change the game. But must be remembered that he is still just 17.
ST: Dean – 8/10: Brilliant option up top. Hard-working, held the ball up well. Deserved a goal, keep an eye on him ahead of the 2021-22 season with Joe Gelhardt likely to be promoted. Won penalty by himself, and scored.
LW: Summerville – 7/10: A threat going forward, looking sharp. Won possession back high up on occasion, should have scored after being put through but run out of pitch. Raw, but huge potential.
In other Leeds news, an Under-23 star has reportedly signed a new three-year deal at Elland Road.