Josuha Guilavogui made his debut for Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as Daniel Farke’s side enjoyed probably their easiest win of the season, with a comfortable 3-0 win over Plymouth.
Leeds have enjoyed total dominance in a number of matches this season, the 2-0 away win over Cardiff being one after the Welsh side went down to 10 men. But on Saturday, Leeds were always going to win.
Plymouth failed to register a single shot while a 10-minute blitz towards the end of the first half saw the Whites score three goals, through Dan James’ howitzer and then Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson goals.
A comfortable win that saw Leeds solidify their place in second with Burnley losing to Wednesday night’s opponents Millwall on Sunday. Sunderland failed to beat QPR on Saturday, reducing the gap to just three.
Such was the ease at Leeds securing all three points, Daniel Farke handed debuts to Josuha Guilavogui as well as Thorp Arch academy stars Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew. Farke praised Guilavogui post-match.
Neil Redfearn delivers verdict on Josuha Guilavogui after debut
In coming on for the last 15 minutes, Guilavogui became the eldest outfield player to make his debut for Leeds since Michael Brown in 2011. He looked accomplished in possession, and made a few key tackles.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds on Saturday evening, former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn shared what he noticed about Guilavogui from the brief cameo role he was afforded by Farke during the 3-0 victory.
“It was a good insight on Guilavogui, he was really good. He’s got a good touch and awareness for a big guy, he’s a man mountain. He could play at the back easily or in midfield. Comfortable in possession.
“He gave Leeds physical presence in there as well. I know it’s obvious, but for his challenges and the way he went into things, not nastily, just used his physical presence. It just gave Leeds that extra dominance.”
Josuha Guilavogui’s stats from Leeds win against Plymouth
Despite only playing for 15 minutes, the former Wolfsburg and Mainz star was in the thick of it. The seven-time France man engaged in eight duels, and won six of them – only seven others ahead of him.
Josuha Guilavogui’s stats in Leeds win v Plymouth:
- 29 touches, 22 successful passes, 23 attempted
- Three defensive actions, three tackles won
- Six duels won, two duels lost
Even Nadiem Amiri was impressed with Guilavogui’s debut at Leeds. Does Guilavogui have a chance of a start for Leeds down the line? Time will tell, but it is likely Farke will want him to build up his minutes first.
Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka will start in midfield for Leeds on Wednesday night when the Whites go to London to take on Millwall. But it is the kind of game that will suit Guilavogui’s physical presence.
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