Leeds United player ratings v Middlesbrough: Illan Meslier flops with 4/10 in Riverside win
Leeds United picked up a massive win in the race for automatic promotion from the Championship as they claimed all three points against Middlesbrough.
A brace from Crysencio Summerville partnered with goals from Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto ensured that Daniel Farke’s side came away with a 4-3 win at the Riverside Stadium on Monday (22 April).
It was far from perfect, but the Whites now jump above Ipswich Town and back into the automatic promotion places in the Championship with just two games left to play in the league.
MOT Leeds News have rated the players out of 10;
Illan Meslier – 4
The Leeds stopper should have arguably done more to stop the home side’s first two goals but was caught out twice. Was in no man’s land for the third goal from the home side. While he did make some big saves to maintain the Whites’ lead, he still always has a mistake in him and simply has to become more consistent if he wants to make the step up to the Premier League.
Sam Byram – 6
Preferred ahead of Connor Roberts at right-back and while the 30-year-old didn’t have the best of afternoons he did all that he could to keep the home side’s bright attack quiet with a couple of important defensive interventions. Didn’t impact proceedings going forward, but didn’t have to because of the talent ahead of him.
Joe Rodon – 5
Once again the defender was in the wars at the back, but he seemed to win every duel that entered with some excellent challenges and some really composed work on the ball. He would have been disappointed with the home side’s final goal, as he was caught out by the long ball, but a reasonable night for the Welsh international.
Ethan Ampadu – 5
The Welshman has been so good this season, but he simply had to be quicker to close down Emmanuel Latte Lath for Boro’s second goal as he stood off the Middlesbrough striker. Caught out by the long ball in the final minutes. Other than that, the defender was reasonably consistent at the back and did what he had to do to help Leeds claim all three points.
Junior Firpo – 7
A mixed night for the full-back who impressed going forward but struggled slightly defensively at the Riverside. His ball into the penalty area to find Bamford was excellent and he did threaten in possession, but too often is found wanting without the ball. Picked up a second assist for Summerville’s second with a simple pass. Not a bad day at the office.
Archie Gray – 6
The teenager was his usual busy self in the middle of the park as he battled away. Didn’t have a major impact on proceedings but ran his legs off to give his side hope of picking up all three points. Hopefully, he will still be at Leeds next season.
Ilia Gruev – 6
A fairly quiet evening for the Bulgarian international who went about his business reasonably well without any fireworks. Worked incredibly hard off of the ball to break up play and maintained possession well. He is almost Mr Consistent at the moment, hopefully, that remains the case in the coming weeks.
Wilfried Gnonto – 8
The Italian winger may have been miles offside for his goal in the first half, but he still tucked away his effort with an excellent display of composure that most strikers would have been proud of. Worked back incredibly well out of possession to win the ball back repeatedly in an excellent all-round performance. When he’s at his best, he can be frightening.
Georginio Rutter – 5
Rutter has been so good this season, but the French youth international looked completely off of the pace at the Riverside. He repeatedly gave the ball away in dangerous areas as he failed to hold it up when he was required. Lost the ball in the build-up to the home side’s leveller and was made to pay. Leeds United need him to be better in the final weeks of the season.
Can Leeds United keep Crysencio Summerville in the summer transfer window?
Crysencio Summerville – 9
The Dutchman has recently been named Championship Player of the Year and he once again shone from the left flank. Was always positive in possession and managed to come away with two goals and an assist as he carried a consistent threat. If you were being critical he could have perhaps done more to help defensively out of possession but he was the brightest of all of Leeds’ stars on Monday night.
Patrick Bamford – 8
Back in the starting XI and back among the goals as he bundled in well from a cross from Junior Firpo. The striker is always under the microscope but his form in this calendar year has been superb. His goals could well push Whites over the line in this race for automatic promotion.
Substitutes
Joel Piroe – 6
Glen Kamara – 6
Dan James – 5
Jaidon Anthony – N/A
In other Leeds United news, Liam Cooper could be set to sign a new contract after making a transfer admission
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