Leeds United player ratings v West Brom: Dan James shines, Joe Gelhardt flops
Leeds United and West Brom shared the spoils at Elland Road on Friday (18 August), playing out a 1-1 draw despite the hosts dominating.
Brandon Thomas-Asante opened the scoring for the visitors despite cameras clearly showing the ball going in off his hand.
Luke Ayling then equalised for Daniel Farke’s side with a header from a Dan James delivery in the second half of the game.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Illan Meslier – 6
Had nothing to do until the 50th and that’s when the Frenchman showed why he still retains his spot as the number one keeper. A lovely reaction save from the shot of Jed Wallace was an impressive one from the Frenchman but just minutes later, he conceded a goal. There were deflections involving that goal and one can’t blame Meslier as there was a clear handball in it but there is no VAR in the championship and it was a stroke of luck for the Baggies.
Luke Ayling – 7
Looked a tad off the pace in the first half even though Leeds didn’t concede a goal. However, he turned to be the unlikely saviour in the second half and scored the equaliser when it seemed like there was nothing the hosts could do to find the back of the net.
Joe Rodon – 6
Made two tackles and as many clearances in a game where the defence wasn’t really tested. It was a scrappy goal that led to the concession of the opener and if he can build a partnership with Struijk or Cresswell, this could be a tight defence for the rest of the season.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Didn’t have to do too much as Leeds United controlled the lion’s share of the ball while Ethan Ampadu offered the centre-backs good cover. However, he was immaculate with his long balls – completing the most of any other outfield Leeds player with 7.
Sam Byram – 6
It was a much-improved performance from the 29-year-old who appears to slowly be justifying why he’s brought in to provide cover for Junior Firpo. Only time will tell whether or not this decision will for the rest of the season, but based on the Baggies game, he held himself in good stead.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Was lively from start to end and his combative display saw Leeds take control of the midfield. He seldom gave the Baggies anything away and he’s slowly becoming one of the most important signings for the Whites. His pass accuracy which was over 91 per cent was among the best for Leeds on Friday. [Whoscored]
Archie Gray – 4
Was erratic with his passes and boasted one of the poorest accuracies in the Leeds United side. He made some questionable calls in possession which would’ve seen a better team than West Brom punish them in transition. Not to say he won’t get better, but this is a sign that he’s not ready to be the first-choice option and will improve more if he’s brought off the bench.
Jamie Shackleton – 6
Had a lively first half and came the closest to scoring in the opening period than any other player on the pitch. On another day that effort would’ve found its way into the back of the net. It was a decent performance but he’s fully expected to lose his place in the coming weeks.
Dan James – 8
Made an absolute mess of a glorious chance at the hour mark to make it 1-1 and that exemplifies Leeds’ need to sign a clinical player. Had there been someone capable of finding the back of the net, it would’ve been an equaliser for the Whites. Came close to redeeming himself a few minutes later as he took a superb shot that was brilliantly saved by Alex Palmer. He did make amends by providing an immaculate cross for Ayling’s headed goal. He was frustrating but on the balance of things, was the Whites’ most effective attacker.
Joe Gelhardt – 3
The Liverpool-born attacker had another ineffective game in the final third and Farke may look to axe him for the next game. He did not pose the sort of goal threat the German would’ve wanted from him and even around the opposition box, his decision making let him down. A proper number 10 is desperately needed and Leeds cannot secure promotion if Gelhardt’s regularly playing there.
Georginio Rutter – 5
Until Leeds sign a striker, he’s likely to be the first choice. Off the ball, the club-record signing did a good job closing down the opponents and disrupting their build-up. However, he struggled to get into the right positions to get shots on goal and that remains the worry.
Substitutes
Sam Greenwood – 4
In other Leeds United news, the club could look to rekindle their interest in a Golden Boot winner who Daniel Farke will love and it will take £15million to get the deal done.