Leeds United player ratings v Accrington Stanley in FA Cup clash
Leeds United travelled to take on Accrington Stanley on Saturday 28 January in the fourth round of the FA Cup, on a pitch that did not fit the occasion for the home side.
Jesse Marsch made six changes to his side, although it was still a very strong team with the likes of Georginio Rutter, Luis Sinisterra and Patrick Bamford all starting.
Jack Harrison opened the scoring with a thunderbolt from distance, with Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra making sure it was an easy afternoon in the end with a 3-1 win.
MOT Leeds News rated the players out of 10 below…
Illan Meslier – 7
The Frenchman did not look comfortable under the high ball into the box, but he did make numerous saves which he will have been expected to make – solid enough.
Rasmus Kristensen – 6
It was a strange afternoon for the Dane with most of the action happening down the opposite flank, as he could have done more to make himself a danger in the final third, with one chance going just wide.
Robin Koch – 7
The German stood tall once again under the bombardment of the long ball, with the pitch and tactics of the opposition never easy to deal with in these types of games.
Max Wober – 9
Wober is quickly becoming a favourite at Elland Road, and it is easy to see why with one huge challenge in the opening 45 minutes. His calmness in possession also helped Leeds keep control in what could have been some sticky periods.
Junior Firpo – 6
The enigma that is Firpo continued today as he was beaten quite easily early on, but grew into the game and became a real issue for Accrington going forward throughout, getting his first goal for the club. More consistency is needed if he is to get into that Premier League side now.
Sam Greenwood – 5
The game appeared to swallow up the youngster, who is clearly still trying to adapt to that midfield role although his delivery and technique on the ball is among the best we have seen.
Marc Roca – 7
Controlled the game both offensively and defensively in the middle of the park, and relished that battle against some real bulldogs that tried to get stuck in, this experience will only do him the world of good.
Jack Harrison – 8
It was a slow start with nothing seeming to come off for the winger, but his goal was sensational and saw him take control with his sensational touches and ability, getting an assist to add to it later on.
Luis Sinisterra – 7
If it doesn’t come off, try and try again and you will succeed. The Colombian hit the post with a scorcher in the first half, missed a sitter in the second and then finally got his reward with a tap in before being taken off – he will take that as he gets back to 100% .
Georginio Rutter – 7
Although not against the best opposition, Rutter certainly arrived with a bang. The French wonder was impossible to stop at times with his dribbling second to none as he embarrassed those trying to tackle him – hopefully, his finishing can reach those same heights soon.
Patrick Bamford – 9
What a man. You could see the frustration in his face each time a goal went in that wasn’t scored by him, but that is the sign of a sensational goalscorer. His hold up play and transitions around the opposition defence made him impossible to stop, this is the Bamford we have been crying out for.
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