Leeds United sit fifth in the Championship after their opening nine matches and here are our individual player ratings for the season so far with the second international break now here.
Illan Meslier – 3
Perhaps a tad harsh considering Leeds have five clean sheets already but a lot of that is down to what’s in front of him. His error on the opening day against Portsmouth was poor, but the one most recently at Sunderland was simply inexcusable.
Karl Darlow – 4
Only started the 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup and may well be hoping for a chance in the league soon if Meslier doesn’t improve.
Jayden Bogle – 7
A lot of the criticism aimed his way has been very harsh. Grown into the shirt with every passing match, and offers so much going forward. Of course, still room for improvement defensively.
Joe Rodon – 6
Not yet hit the heights of his displays on loan last season but looked much closer to his best in the second half at Sunderland and long may that continue. Still a very important part of a strong back four.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Undoubtedly one of Leeds’ best players so far this season and has settled back in after a long-term injury lay-off superbly. A real calming presence at the back.
Max Wober – n/a
Unfortunately he simply cannot get a rating yet as he still hasn’t played a single minute of Championship football all season. Wober has recently undergone surgery, and the sooner he is back the better due to Leeds’ lack of senior backup at centre-back at the moment.
Junior Firpo – 8
Another of Leeds’ best alongside Struijk, Firpo has looked arguably the best left-back in the division so far. One goal and two assists already in attack. Patrick Roberts the only winger to cause him any trouble defensively.
Sam Byram – 5
Hard to give him any higher considering he’s barely played in the league and his only real outing came against Boro in the cup. Sure to play a part at some point.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Absolutely gutting news to lose him for the next 10 weeks as he was enjoying another fine season back in midfield. Hopefully a quick recovery.
Ilia Gruev – 7
Just a matter of days after losing Ampadu long-term, Gruev himself picked up a knee injury of his own that will rule him out for several months. Happened on the back of his best performance yet against Coventry City.
Joe Rothwell – 6
Had been restricted to just brief cameos until Leeds’ midfield became ravaged by injuries. However, Rothwell looked very promising in both outings at Norwich and Sunderland, always looking to pass forward. Could well see that rating move up soon.
Ao Tanaka – 7
His first few cameos got the excitement going and it would be fair to say he has lived up to that hype in each of the three matches he has had proper minutes. Always looks as though he has time on the ball, and rarely wastes a pass.
Largie Ramazani – 7
Like Tanaka, has really impressed since properly coming into the team. Two goals and an assist in four starts is a strong return, and his pace has made him a nightmare for Championship defenders.
Manor Solomon – 5
After an impressive debut against Hull City, Solomon was then at fault for Burnley’s winner at Elland Road in his second appearance for the club. Has been injured ever since, but the signs are there he will make an impact.
Wilfried Gnonto – 9
Leeds’ best player so far this season, stepping up to the plate since the exits of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville. Not only does he have two goals and four assists already, but Championship defences simply cannot handle his close control and dribbling skills.
Dan James – 6
Quiet in the first two matches before scoring a lovely goal in a fine performance at Sheffield Wednesday. Unfortunately, James has been out injured ever since, but will hopefully return after the break.
Joe Gelhardt – n/a
Feels like a poor decision not to loan him out as he faces another season of practically no game time. His development really is being wasted.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Despite all the talk of no number 10 signing, Aaronson has really stepped up and impressed in that role. Two goals and one assist, but both should be higher. Only against Sunderland has he struggled with the physicality.
Mateo Joseph – 7
Has led the line really well but a return of just one goal in eight starts means this rating cannot be higher. His work rate and link-up play have looked good in the majority of matches.
Joel Piroe – 7
Piroe has the best minutes per goal record of anyone in the Championship with at least two goals this season. A return of four already is very impressive considering he has started just twice, with the role of coming off the bench to kill matches seemingly perfect for him.
Patrick Bamford – n/a
Can’t really give him a rating considering he has played 41 minutes of Championship football all season. Farke maintains Bamford will be important, though.
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