Leeds United player ratings v Sheffield Wednesday – Bogle woeful, Aaronson stars
Leeds United secured their first win of the season as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough on 23 August.
Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for the Whites with Dan James adding a second in the next 45 minutes.
Daniel Farke’s side controlled proceedings throughout and earned a deserved three points away from home.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Illan Meslier – 6
Didn’t have much to do all game but marshalled his defence well. According to Sofascore, he was called into action twice and he managed to keep a clean sheet.
Jayden Bogle – 4
Was embarrassed in the first half and had it been a stronger opponent, Leeds could’ve paid the price. Throughout the game, flaws in his defensive work were there for everyone to see. He did get better in the second period but there’s still plenty in his game that makes him a liability.
Joe Rodon – 7
Went on about his business well throughout the game. Was assured in his possession and did not make any mistakes that cost his side dearly. Farke will be impressed as the Welshman did not have the best of starts to the season.
Pascal Struijk shines once again for Leeds United
Pascal Struijk – 9
Was imperious in the air and seemed to give nothing away at the back for the Whites. Completed over 100 passes and his passing accuracy was also north of 90 per cent which is an impressive feat from the Dutchman.
Junior Firpo – 7
A decent game from the left-back, who like most of his teammates, was much improved than in the first two games. Knew exactly when to go forward and look for the overlap and when to be conservative as Wednesday did look to carve out few openings in transition. Was tidy in possession too and combined well with Wilfried Gnonto.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Controlled proceedings well. Always looked to play the ball forward and make things happen in the middle and final third. Was there to shield the defence when needed and really stood out as a leader.
Ilia Gruev – 6
A standout performance from him in midfield as well and was the ideal partner to Ampadu. While he did get bullied a few times without the ball, it wasn’t anything that had dire effects on the team.
Dan James – 7
A tireless display from the Wales international and deservedly got his goal in the second half of the contest. While his crossing was slightly erratic, his overall game made up for it and that’s all that Farke would’ve asked for. He’s showing why he is the undisputed option on the right flank.
Brenden Aaronson – 8
Looked sharp on and off the ball in the first half and deservedly scored the opening goal. Chased down lost causes and disrupted the opposition’s efforts to retain possession. Top display.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6
Played his best game of the season and looked threatening whenever he was in possession. He still struggled to complete a single dribble in the game and if he is to be a regular on the left flank, he’s got to be better at taking on his man.
Mateo Joseph impressive in the final third for Leeds United
Mateo Joseph – 8
Didn’t find the back of the net himself but was key in setting up both goals and showed why number nines are not all about the glory. He will have games where he scores too, but these selfless performances are why he starts over Joel Piroe. Drifted all over the pitch to make things happen and proved to be a real handful for the opposition back line.
Substitutes
Joel Piroe – 5
Joe Rothwell – N/A
Sam Byram – N/A
Joe Gelhardt – N/A
In other Leeds United, an update has emerged on an offer made as the Whites want to sign a Premier League attacker.
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