Three winners from Leeds friendly against Forest, player taking advantage of recall

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Leeds United ran out 2-0 winners against Nottingham Forest at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium on Thursday, in our penultimate friendly before next weekend’s opener against Cardiff City – and here are three winners from the clash.

Three winners from Leeds clash against Nottingham Forest

Jamie Shackleton

The 23-year-old Leeds lad has returned from Millwall to feature in all three friendlies. On Thursday night, he was among our best players – starting the game in the middle of the park, alongside Ethan Ampadu. He was everywhere.

Whether it be covering full-backs, making tackles alongside our new £7m man, or even having a shot on target after a flick from Patrick Bamford. Shackleton has been given a chance to stake a claim – and he seems to be taking it.

Sam Byram

Still a free agent and simply, training with Leeds – 29-year-old Byram was superb. He lasted over the hour mark. That is despite playing on his weaker side. Linked up nicely with Dan James on the left, with Luis Sinisterra floating.

Couple of neat passes including one into James towards the end of the first half, and was inches away from scoring from a James cross. The fact he started over Leo Hjelde and performed well, is surely a sign he could sign a deal.

Patrick Bamford

Well, it seemed like it was going to be a bit of a frustrating night for Bamford. Some nice touches, the flick – as said – into Shackleton. Couple of half-decent efforts. But then, his goal on 65 mins. Joe Worrall had his head in his hands.

A underhit, misplaced back pass was read by one-time England star Bamford. All the time in the world, he rolled the ball under his studs to floor Ethan Horvath, before calmly placing into the net. Incredibly cheeky, full of confidence.

Other winners

Ampadu looked every penny of the initial £7m he has cost, and is showing all the signs he will be crucial in this new Leeds era. Ian Poveda came on at half-time and really looked good, even scoring late on, with Forest looking leggy.

Charlie Cresswell lasted the entire game. Darko Gyabi, Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Willy Gnonto all looked sharp after coming off the bench. Plenty of positives, and easily our best outing during pre-season under Farke.