Leeds United player ratings v Derby County – Rodon stars, Solomon terrible
Leeds United picked up an impressive 2-0 victory against Derby County on Saturday at Elland Road.
Defenders Joe Rodon and Max Wober ended up being the unlikely goal scorers as Daniel Farke’s side cruised to three points.
Wober, came off the bench in the first half for Junior Firpo, and still managed to find the back of the net.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Illan Meslier – 6
According to Sofascore, the Frenchman had just one routine save to make which he managed to do without any issues. He was also tidy in possession and commanded his penalty area well.
Jayden Bogle – 4
Struggled in possession as he gave away the ball on numerous occasions. He appeared to play the complicated pass on numerous occasions when the simple ball was on. The right-back had no success with his crossing either and if there is a chance to replace him in January, the club must take it.
Joe Rodon – 9
Was imperious in the air and found the back of the net as well in what was a memorable afternoon for him at Elland Road. He even looked tidy in possession and looked error-free at the heart of defence alongside Pascal Struijk. The Wales international put his body on the line when needed and gave nothing away to Jerry Yates.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Much like his centre-back partner, was solid defensively and immense in possession, but the only difference is that he did not find the back of the net. He made over 100 touches as he was among the most involved players on the field of play.
Junior Firpo – 5
Was an injury doubt before the game, but was given the start and barely got to prove his fitness as he had to be taken off in the 21st minute. However, for the minutes he had on the field of play, he did a good job on the defensive side of things.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Another stunning performance from the Japanese midfielder. He completed 93 per cent of his passes and appeared to give it his all off the ball as well, winning back possession on a number of occasions. An impressive performance from Tanaka and one that Farke will certainly credit him for.
Joe Rothwell – 9
An excellent display from Rothwell in the middle of the park. He ran the show from start to end and even managed to get himself an assist. There is a fair case for even him getting the Man of the Match and it’s hard to find a differential between him and Rodon. He was even superb in the air for the Elland Road outfit.
Dan James – 6
An energetic performance but one in which it felt like he was trying to do too much. His crosses and passes were wayward and he did not appear to be in sync with the rest of his teammates. There were moments in which he appeared threatening but apart from that, nothing extraordinary.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Got bullied in the air, failing to win any of his three attempted aerial duels. He also failed to complete 75 per cent of his dribbles. There were few telling passes he made in the final third but there is plenty he needs to improve if Leeds are to win the league with him being the regular starter.
Manor Solomon – 3
Lost possession six times and offered nothing in the final third for the Whites. Failed to complete a single cross and the difference could be seen when he was taken off by Farke. The Israel international even lost possession six times and has got to do more if he wants to retain his spot in the playing eleven.
Joel Piroe – 6
Failed to find the back of the net but did get into the right positions and on another day, he certainly would’ve scored. The Dutchman did manage a couple of shots on goal but did not get the desired outcome from them.
Subs
Max Wober – 6
While most fans wouldn’t have been happy to see him initially as Firpo was injured, he quickly managed to win over the Elland Road faithful by finding the back of the net. He did offer a threat going forward, apart from the goal, but nothing too potent.
Willy Gnonto – 4
Mateo Joseph – 5
Josuha Guilavogui – 5
Largie Ramazani – 4
In other Leeds United news, the club have made a bold attempt to sign a Premier League player in January.
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