Shocking Daniel James gets 3/10, should be hooked at HT – Leeds United first-half player ratings vs Swansea City
Leeds United deservedly headed into the break at Elland Road 2-1 up against Swansea City thanks to a come from behind performance.
The Whites thought they’d scored after 45 seconds when Daniel James tapped into an empty net, before he realised the offside flag had been raised. Before he could recover though, Swansea had gone up the other end and scored, with Paterson lobbing Meslier.
But minutes later Leeds were level when Crysencio Summerville slid a pass through to Joel Piroe, who finished calmly against his former club.
Leeds continued to push but couldn’t create any clear cut chances until first-half stoppage time when Georginio Rutter ran through and slotted past the goalkeeper.
Here’s how MOT Leeds News rated the performance of each player in the first half..
Illan Meslier – 5/10
Could do nothing about the goal and then had nothing to do for the rest of the half. Story of most of his season.
Archie Gray – 5/10
Gray looked solid in possession and linked well with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara whenever he tucked inside, but defensively he was caused quite a few problems and is clearly being targeted by the Swans attack.
Joe Rodon – 6/10
Apart from the goal that caught everyone off guard, Rodon was at his dominant best. He completed 24 passes for a 89% success rate and helped to keep the pressure on the visitors.
Pascal Struijk – 4/10
Struijk was the main man who got caught out for Paterson’s goal and the hope will be that it doesn’t end up costing us points. Daniel Farke has made it clear that he has to focus 100% of the time and that’s what happens when he doesn’t.
Sam Byram – 5/10
A consistent performer as usual, which makes the fact he’s playing out of position more and more mind boggling every time you see him. Was a threat on the overlap and his chemistry with Summerville continues to grow. Those runs could be key in the second half.
Glen Kamara – 6/10
A driving force in the midfield, the Fin’s technical security and dribbling were a big help in breaking the lines during the opening 45 minutes. His energy was key in preventing counter attacks too and he continues to prove to be a top signing.
Ethan Ampadu – 5/10
The game lacked control and that is what Ampadu is in the side for, so it’s fair to say it wasn’t his best 45 minutes. With that said though he completed 86% of his passes as Leeds took control the longer the game went on and grabbed the assist for Rutter’s goal.
Daniel James – 3/10
He scored after 45 seconds only for it to be disallowed, but beyond that he did very little. James ran into dead ends regularly, struggled to beat his man and was wasteful in possession with just six passes completed. If he was hooked at the break there could be no complaints.
Joel Piroe – 7/10
A huge goal against his old club, and a little boost on the rating because he kissed the Leeds badge too. He dropped between the lines and caused havoc for their defence in a strong 45 minutes.
Crysencio Summerville – 8/10
Not only the best player on the pitch, but you can make a case that he’s the best player in the division right now in this form. Another assist for the Dutch winger as his mazy dribbling and quality in the final third shone through. By far our most dangerous player.
Georginio Rutter – 7/10
A solid half but he just lacked a bit of intensity in a game that was really sharp. Should have done better late in the half when could have found Kamara running through the middle but he overhit the pass. Made up for it with an excellent finish to give us the lead on the stroke of half-time.
In other Leeds news, rarely-seen ace spotted with squad ahead of Swansea clash.