Leeds player ratings v Millwall – Tanaka MOTM as 4/10 teammates struggle
Daniel James had a night to forget as Leeds United beat Millwall 2-0 in the Championship on Wednesday.
Elland Road welcomed Alex Neil’s team on 12 March as Daniel Farke looked to get over the disappointments of recent results.
The Whites took the lead early on in the game after Manor Solomon forced an own goal from Jake Cooper in the third minute.
Joe Rothwell stood out for Daniel Farke, but the West Yorkshire outfit lacked a cutting edge for most of the match and struggled to add to their lead before Ao Tanaka scored in the 85th minute.
Here, MOT Leeds News have provided their player ratings for the fixture:
Leeds player ratings v Millwall
Illan Meslier – 6
Meslier hardly had to do much for most of the game but came to the rescue when he was called upon in the second half.
Jayden Bogle – 4
Bigle was the weakest link in the Whites’ backline, struggling to make an impact in the final third and being defensively suspect on occasion.
Joe Rodon – 7
Rodon was almost perfect, keeping Millwall’s attackers at bay and winning most of his challenges.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Struijk was his calm and composed self on the ball, taking the pressure off the hosts in possession. But the Dutch centre-back did lose some of his challenges.
Junior Firpo – 6
Firpo was a constant threat on the left-hand side of the attack for the West Yorkshire outfit, but his defensive frailties took the shine away from his performance.
| Championship table (2024/25) | Matches played | Points |
| 1. Leeds United | 37 | 79 |
| 2. Sheffield United | 37 | 77 |
| 3. Burnley | 37 | 75 |
| 4. Sunderland | 37 | 69 |
Ao Tanaka – 9
Tanaka was the standout player for Farke in both halves as he broke down some opposition attacks and wasn’t shy of receiving the ball. The Japan international’s goal was towards the end of the fixture was highly deserved.
Joe Rothwell – 8
Rothwell replaced Ilia Gruev in the starting lineup and didn’t disappoint after pulling the strings in the engine room.
James has night to forget v Millwall
Dan James – 4
James was poor in every department, failing to make much of an impact in the final third and being weak in his defensive duels.
Brenden Aaronson – 6
Aaronson had a slow start but soon became one of the focal points in the game, drawing several fouls from opposition defenders.
Manor Solomon – 7
Solomon was a creative outlet for Leeds against Millwall, forcing the own goal. The forward hit the woodwork in the second half and had a few more opportunities to extend the lead.
Joel Piroe – 7
While Piroe didn’t get on the scoresheet, the Dutch forward created several opportunities for the Whites with his creative flair.
Substitutions:
Sam Byram – N/A
Ilia Gruev – N/A
Wilfried Gnonto – N/A