Callum O'Connell

Sat 13 January 2024 17:10, UK

Leeds United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory as they travelled to South Wales to face Cardiff City in the Championship on 13 January.

Patrick Bamford scored the opening goal of the game to make it three in three games since his return to the starting lineup, before Daniel James, the former Swansea player, scored the second which would have felt even sweeter for him.

The second half saw more of the same, with Leeds continuing to dominate the game before Georginio Rutter made it three with just minutes to go to seal a classy performance on the road.

MOT Leeds News has rated the players’ performances out of ten below…

Illan Meslier – 7

Had very little to do as Cardiff struggled to test him with any of their eight attempts on goal, but played an important role in sweeping up at the back from long balls played over the top. He also continued to impress with his distribution to help Daniel Farke’s side in possession.

Archie Gray – 6

Despite Leeds’ dominance of the possession and in the game as a whole, Gray turned in a somewhat patchy performance inverting from the right-back position. He didn’t look as assured in possession as he usually does, giving the ball away on 14 occasions and recording an 89% pass success rate. [Sofascore]

Did play a lovely ball down the right-hand side to create a chance as Dan James hit the crossbar from a tight angle, so even when he’s not as impressive, Gray still shows his quality.

Ethan Ampadu – 8

Yet another impressive display from the Welshman who proves game by game why he has been such an important player at Elland Road this season. Asked to fill in at centre-back rather than his preferred midfield role but makes no complaints, getting on with his job and turning in another brilliant performance.

Joe Rodon – 7

Much like his centre-back partner today, Rodon continues to show why his arrival at Leeds has been such a big part of their success this season. His cool head in possession, proved by a 94% passing accuracy, was again matched by his defensive ability and bravery as he made six clearances and three interceptions. [Sofascore]

Junior Firpo – 8

His patchy injury record has led to Leeds searching for a new left-back in the January transfer window, but if he was able to stay fit and turn in performances like this every week, Firpo should be their main man. Impressive at both ends of the pitch, he may be easing their concerns.

Glen Kamara – 7

As usual, Kamara played his usual calm and composed role in midfield, helping Leeds retain and recycle possession while breaking up play and dominating his area of the pitch. Proved yet again he is a severely underrated part of this midfield, as he turned in yet another crucial role, despite not being one of the more eye-catching players.

Ilia Gruev – 6

Much like Kamara, he was a huge part of how Leeds were able to dominate the game from midfield, with some assured passing and ability to break up play. Despite having not featured too much this season, Gruev has shown again why he was signed in the summer.

Daniel James – 8

He will have enjoyed this one. As a former Swansea player, he was booed all game by the home fans and silenced them with his goal, and was unlucky to hit the bar with a cheeky lob over the goalkeeper. He always turns up for this one and his display today showed yet again how effective he has been under Farke.

Crysencio Summerville – 5

He had a good game overall and his flashes of brilliance were as good as ever, but the missed penalty let him down on a day where he failed to record any goals or assists. Three key passes showed his creativity, but he missed the target with four of his five attempts on goal and lost possession 18 times. [Sofascore]

He’ll bounce back and wasn’t awful, and his late assist made up for the missed penalty to an extent, but he will be looking to have more impact next time out.

Georginio Rutter – 9

Playing in the deeper role he has occupied since the re-emergence of Patrick Bamford up top, Rutter continues to put on a show for the fans. His silky and skilful play saw him complete five of seven attempted dribbles and two key passes, and a beautifully well-taken goal and composed finish put the cherry on top in the 90th minute. [Sofascore]

Patrick Bamford – 7

Is Patrick Bamford back? Yes. It’s three goals in three games for the striker after he returned to the team and he has now made himself undroppable at the expense of Joel Piroe as a result of his exceptional goalscoring run. His all-round game could do with some work still, but as long as he’s scoring goals, who cares?

Subs

Sam Byram – 6

Jamie Shackleton – N/A

Jaidon Anthony – N/A

Wilfried Gnonto – N/A

Joel Piroe – N/A

In other Leeds United news, Farke has made a new transfer admission.