Brenden Aaronson a waste, Largie Ramazani dazzles – Leeds United player ratings v Sheffield Utd
Leeds United rebounded from disappointment at Sunderland with an impressive 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
After a minutes applause in memory of former Blade George Baldock the Whites had the better of a high-tempo first half with Largie Ramazani twice going close and a penalty shout for handball ignored just before the interval.
Brenden Aaronson wasted some good chances and the same pattern continued after the break until Pascal Struijk fired a poorly-taken Joe Rothwell corner high into the net on 69 minutes with an wonderful first-time finish, and substitute Mateo Joseph made the result safe with a second in the 90th minute.
Here, MOT Leeds News rates the Whites players out of 10 for their performances at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier – 7
Responded to Daniel Farke showing faith in him to rebound well. In his first Whites action since his stoppage-time nightmare at Sunderland he evaded pressure with the ball at his feet in the opening seconds and thankfully looked assured with the gloves when needed.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Good game. Facing his former side he was booed by fans from the start but clearly wanted to provide a respond with committed performance to hold his own at the back while combining well in attack, especially with Gnonto. Clattered into one successful sliding challenge late in the first half to show he was up for the fight. Final ball was lacking at times but much stronger defensively.
Joe Rodon – 6
Up and down. Looked slightly uncomfortable as the Blades looked to press in the opening minutes but that didn’t last long and he was soon snuffing out rare counter-attacks with relative ease. Twice nearly handed Chris Wilder’s side the chance for a smash and grab goal with errors after the hour before stepping back in to rectify matters himself both times.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Great performance. Beaten in the air early to set up one early chance for the visitors but rebounded to turn the tables in a follow-up duel with Kieffer Moore. Largely untested as the home side took control before the break but sharp in breaking up attacks frequently in the second half, and his excellent finish broke the deadlock.
Illan Meslier bounces back from Leeds United howler at Sunderland
Junior Firpo (off for Byram ’92) – 7
As is now customary for the Dominic Republic attacking star he was up high supporting forward moves with regularity. Not overly tested in defence but rarely left space in behind despite being a regular attacking outlet.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Looks to be developing into a very strong signing. Obviously very comfortable on the ball and played some lovely passes from deep when given time in possession. Can be played round at times but positionally appears to have adapted to his more defensive role already. Didn’t do a huge amount for a long stretch in the middle of the game but grew back into the action late to play a key role as the Whites turned the screw.
Joe Rothwell – 6
Solid game. Better industry out of possession than his midfield partner with the regular defensive options Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev out long term. Faded slightly after a fast start. Sometimes seems like he is contributing more than he is by doing the basics in a busy manner. Some nice long balls, but registered a key assist with a very average corner which bounced in at waist-height.
Willy Gnonto (off for Solomon ’68) – 7
An early injury concern on top of the current crisis as he landed heavily on his shoulder, but a threat down the right running at defenders and swinging balls in, then switched to the left and did more of the same. Should have done better just before the break, shooting into traffic when teammates were well-placed in support and offered far less after the half.
Brenden Aaronson wasteful for Daniel Farke’s side
Brenden Aaronson (off for James ’68) – 5
Decent work up until it came time for finishes, which were very poor. His energy in pressing opponents early was valuable in maintaining Leeds United pressure through a high-tempo first 45 but wasted three strong chances. Did get into decent positions but was off target when gifted a chance from Michael Cooper’s poor clearance, volleyed another over with the last action before the break, then skied a third soon after the teams re-emerged. His contribution might be fairly impressive if he was a central midfielder, but as the number 10 there needs to be more creativity and goal threat.
Largie Ramazani (off for Joseph ’79) – Man of the Match – 9
Superb performance and impossible to contain. Full of energy in both directions from the off and balanced out Gnonto with some obvious quality of his own. Grew into the leading Whites threat, hitting the outside of the post midway through the half, then forced a vital low save moments later. Impressive build-up work on both sides and had visiting defenders panicking throughout, dancing into the box with regularity. Odd to take him off with the score at only 1-0 but it brought the second goal.
Joel Piroe (off for Bamford ’92) – 6
Disappointing until a lovely assist right at the end. Isolated as the lone striker and forced to drop deep to get involved as the best moves happened around him. Hard to blame him too much for that given the set-up of the two sides, but got lost up against the massive Harry Souttar and company, but his touch let him down and he often failed to hold the ball up when possession did find him, and fired a terrible rugby conversion of a shot miles over with one real sight of goal as he never threatened to score. Dropped back once Joseph came on and freed the youngster with a perfect through-ball to reignite the debate over where his best position is.
Substitutions
Manor Solomon (on for Gnonto ’68) – 6
Not much of an impact but came through unscathed after injury woes.
Dan James (on for Aaronson ’68) – 7
Dynamism was obvious as his speed kept the visitors on the back foot
Mateo Joseph (on for Ramazani ’79) – 7
Did what he was brought on to do with a low finish after a well-timed run to be found by Piroe.
Patrick Bamford (on for Piroe ’92) – 6
Sam Byram (on for Firpo ’92) – 6
In other Leeds United news, Red Bull takeover plans could soon be revealed by Jurgen Klopp.
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