Leeds United cruised to a 4-1 win over German side Hannover 96 on Wednesday afternoon and it saw the likes of Georginio Rutter donning the highly-adored new Leeds away kit in Germany.
Ilia Gruev scored the first goal in the new yellow away kit after a beautiful assist from Brenden Aaronson, who wore the Leeds badge again for the first time since the club were relegated to The Championship.
Indeed, Aaronson caught the eye with Tony Dorigo praising him while co-commentating. Rutter then laid on a second for Leeds as Joel Piroe smashed an effort past the goalkeeper with his weaker right foot.
Subs were made at half-time, the hour mark and late on and one of those stole the show with a second-half brace in Mateo Joseph. The Spaniard staked his claim to start against Portsmouth on August 10.
Daniel Farke’s side look ready to go ahead of Portsmouth clash
Already, Leeds look back to their best against a solid Hannover side that would have been considered underdogs, but were further on in their pre-season schedule while this was only Leeds’ second outing.
Some excellent patterns of play, and efficiency in attack has caught the eye. Jayden Bogle and no.11 Aaronson were among the assists and Joseph getting a couple of goals will do him the world of good.
Leeds are expected to play a second game in Germany with Schalke rumoured to be the opponents. Then, Leeds return to face Valencia at Elland Road on August 3 a week prior to Portsmouth on August 10.
Dorigo criticises Leeds star Rutter for moment in first half
It is difficult to pinpoint any criticism for any Leeds players, but Rutter did lose the ball on the edge of his own box in the first half as Rutter characteristically tried to turn past a player, something seen before.
He is capable of magic, but does lose the ball now and then in Leeds’ half. Former Leeds man Dorigo was commentating and criticised Rutter, saying it is something the Frenchman has to wipe out of his game.
“That’s exactly the area where Georgi has to learn,” Dorigo said on LUTV, as Rutter lost the ball in his own half. “We don’t want to be doing that, five yards outside of his own box, he tries something spectacular.
“A spin on the edge and we lose the ball. In the Premier League that will end up in the back of your net, in the Championship you don’t want to be taking those chances,” Dorigo continued, on Rutter’s mistake.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
