Leeds United looked ready for the new Championship campaign on Wednesday afternoon as they cruised past Hannover 96 with a 4-1 win, and German media have given their verdict.
Daniel Farke’s men are now just over a fortnight away from the opener against Portsmouth at Elland Road on August 10. But they looked more than ready for the first game, judging by the win over Hannover 96.
The second-tier, promotion-chasing German side were obviously underdogs against a Leeds side full of Premier League talent. Germany’s Bundesliga 2 is some way behind the Championship in terms of quality.
It showed on Wednesday as Ilia Gruev opened the scoring after a gorgeous Brenden Aaronson assist. Georginio Rutter was an assist machine last season and he supplied Joel Piroe for Leeds’ second goal.
What German media thought about Hannover’s loss to Leeds
After a raft of changes at half-time, Leeds continued to exude their dominance over Hannover and sub Mateo Joseph scored two goals after the break. The striker showcasing why he deserves to start for Leeds.
It said a lot about Leeds’ depth, that the bench included Max Wober, Jayden Bogle, Joseph, Crysencio Summerville and Mateo Joseph. Hannover boss Stefan Leitl says Leeds have 15 “outstanding” players.
The game was behind closed doors, with LUTV posting a full-match replay after full-time. BILD gave their verdict on Hannover, saying Leitl’s side were ‘humiliated’ by a Leeds side they described as ‘scary’.
“It was really scary how 96 were humiliated by the English for large parts of the game in the 1-4 defeat. The first 96 shot on goal came after 34 minutes from Tresoldi (over). By then the score was already 0-2.”
The real winners from Leeds’ win over Hannover yesterday
Sam Byram, Junior Firpo, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Gruev and Rutter all impressed. But they are players that often provide consistency – eyes were on the likes of Aaronson, Piroe, Jayden Bogle and more.
Aaronson was the biggest winner, a brilliant 45. Committed, showing Leeds fans he is more than ready. Piroe struggled during the second half of the season and at Harrogate but he looked excellent yesterday.
Bogle got himself an assist for Leeds’ fourth, hopefully a sign of things to come. Mateo Joseph getting a brace will be another stark reminder for Farke that he could be the man that starts up top for Leeds.
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