Ethan Ampadu shines as 4/10 puts end to Daniel Farke experiment – Leeds player ratings vs Liverpool
Leeds United picked up a dramatic point in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
Just days after Leeds secured a huge 3-1 victory against Chelsea, the Whites returned to Elland Road to face the reigning champions, Liverpool, and just as they did against the Blues, they started brightly.
However, aside from Noah Okafor going close with an effort in the first few minutes, they had very little to show for it, with the Reds starting to grow into the game.
That change in momentum took its toll early into the second half, when Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the 47th minute after an error from Joe Rodon, before doubling their advantage two minutes later.
The Whites were handed a route back into the game from the penalty spot, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin dispatching, minutes before Anton Stach drew them level.
A Dominik Szoboszlai dagger made it look as though the Reds would go on to seal all three points, but a 96th strike from Ao Tanaka turned the game on its head one last time, with Leeds securing a historic point.
Ethan Ampadu was flawless for Leeds
There have been times this season when Ethan Ampadu looked out of sorts with Premier League football, but he was back to his best against Liverpool.
The Welshman won his battles in midfield and was very tidy on the ball whenever he was in possession for the Whites.
Neither Ilia Gruev nor Anton Stach offered much in terms of support in the central areas, meaning Ampadu really had to shine to help control the midfield.
It was a real captain’s display from Ampadu, who needs to replicate this level of performance more often.
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Noah Okafor offered nothing vs Liverpool
Noah Okafor has shown his quality for Leeds at times this season, but a lack of consistency has marred his early spell at Elland Road.
That was the case again against Liverpool, with the Swiss international failing to offer anything aside from an early chance, which he fired just wide in the first few minutes.
While a lot of was down the system, Okafor failed to offer any real protection of possession in the final third.
A central role does not suit him, and Daniel Farke will have to take note of that going forward.
Player Ratings
Lucas Perri – 6
Jayden Bogle – 6 (for Bornauw 93′)
Joe Rodon – 5
Jaka Bijol – 7 (for Aaronson 65′)
Pascal Struijk – 7
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6
Ilia Gruev – 5 (for Tanaka 65′)
Ethan Ampadu – 8 (for Piroe 87′)
Anton Stach – 7
Noah Okafor – 4 (for Gnonto 65′)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5
Subs
Brenden Aaronson – 6 (for Bijol 65′)
Willy Gnonto – 7 (for Okafor 65′)
Ao Tanaka – 7 (for Gruev 65′)
Joel Piroe – N/A (for Ampadu 87′)
Seb Bornauw – N/A (for Bogle 93′)
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