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Joe Gelhardt poor as Leo Hjelde shines: Leeds United player ratings v Wolves
Leeds United crashed out of the League Cup after a late goal from Boubacar Traoré saw Wolverhampton Wanderers through to the fourth round.
The game looked to be heading towards a penalty shootout with neither side creating any meaningful chances during the 90 minutes.
However, it was the home side who found the late breakthrough to condemn Jesse Marsch’s side to a cup exit. Here MOT Leeds News rates the players out of ten for their performances at Molineux.
Joel Robles – 7
Really competent performance from the veteran keeper who did all the basics right. Commanded his box well, had a safe pair of hands and was a good influence to have behind a defence which hasn’t played together too often. Stunning save in the 57th minute to deny Connor Ronan.
Luke Ayling – 7
Experienced performance from Ayling onto his return to the side. Didn’t look like a player who has featured sporadically throughout the season. Excellent presence to have alongside 19-year-old Leo Hjelde.
Junior Firpo – 6
He’s had worse performances, but he really struggled up against Adama Traore in the first half in particular. He was caught out of position at times and the rapid winger had plenty of joy. Much of Wolves’ good play game down his side. Another poor night.
Diego Llorente – 3
One to forget for Llorente who was easily the most troubled out of the Whites’ defenders. Looked uncomfortable on the ball and struggled up against the host’s direct forwards. Leeds’ younger players making their debuts looked more at home. Poor night all around for Llorente.
Leo Hjelde – 8 (Man of the Match)
Lots of positive signs from the 19-year-old. Hwang Hee-chan and Traore are direct runners who pose a threat in behind, but his positioning was excellent throughout and he stood up to the physical test of the host. Looked like the senior central defender at times with some brilliant defending from crosses. Certainly given Marsch something to contemplate.
Darko Gyabi – 6
Combative debut from the youngster who loves to put his foot in and make a tackle. Not just all brute force though, his passing was particularly impressive with the youngster always looking to play forward and through the lines. Certainly fits Marsch’s style of play. A solid debut from the summer signing.
Mateusz Klich – 6
Did what he had to do to steer the Whites’ younger prospects through the match at Molineux. Didn’t really do anything of note both positive and negative, but that was probably required from the experienced midfielder. Took to his role well.
Jack Harrison – 6
We’ve finally seen signs of life from Harrison, albeit not back to his very best. The winger nearly got Leeds off to a perfect start with a wicked free kick. Produced some good balls into the box, but didn’t quite do it enough for the Whites. Lost the ball cheaply a couple of times in the second half. By no means back to his best, but certainly better than recent performances.
Sonny Perkins – 7
One word to summarise Perkins is elegant. He looked completely at home in senior football and along with Joseph was Leeds’ main goal threat. His first touch is top draw and could see him go a long way in the game. He’s able to trap the ball in tight spaces and move it on with ease. Not just a striker, but a playmaker who can make things happen. Impressive first appearance.
Joe Gelhardt – 2
Not his night. Tried to make things happen in the first half but his first touch failed him on a number of occasions. Was forced off with an injury in the second half and didn’t look right all night. Really poor night’s work from the Leeds livewire.
Mateo Joseph – 7
Much like Perkins, it was an accomplished performance from Joseph who looked like a goal threat throughout for Leeds. Made some excellent off-the-ball runs and gave Wolves’ defence something to think about. Should have done better when through one on one in the second half but we will let him off.
Substitutes
Sam Greenwood (on for Gelhardt, 54′) – 5
Willy Gnonto (on for Perkins, 70′) – 5
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports pundit says Leeds United may agree a deal to sign George Hall