Leeds United v Watford player ratings: Dan James sensational, defenders shine
Leeds United registered their first home win of the 2023/24 season when they beat Watford 2-0 at Elland Road on Saturday, 23 September.
Joel Piroe opened the scoring for the hosts in the second half and Sam Byram then doubled their lead to put the result beyond all doubt before Jaidon Anthony added a third off the bench.
Even before scoring, Leeds looked the better team and ran out deserving winners at the end.
Here are our player ratings for this one:
Illan Meslier – 7
Was a mere spectator in the Leeds United goal for most of the game as the Whites dominated possession so well and the defenders did their bit. There was no real threat that called the Frenchman into action. However, in terms of his distribution, he completed over 90 per cent of his passes and had a decent accuracy with his long passes as well [Sofascore]
Jamie Shackleton – 6.5
Looked threatening going forward and did his defensive duties pretty well too. He wasn’t the best in the air and against a better side would’ve found out of position on certain occasions.
Pascal Struijk – 6.5
Had another good afternoon, this time with captain Liam Cooper. Both him and Cooper looked extremely comfortable at bringing the ball out of defence and he was exceptional off the ball too. He got dribbled past just once and apart from that it was a solid display.
Liam Cooper – 7
Came in for the suspended Joe Rodon and it did not feel like a part of the Leeds puzzle was missing. He completed 95 per cent of his passes and was very good in the build up. An impressive display from the skipper rolling back the years.
Sam Byram – 8
Not signed for this reason, but Farke’s not going to complain if his left-back is capable of heading the ball into the back of the net. A lovely header from the summer signing to double the lead.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Won most of his ground duels and was solid in and out of possession. The Watford midfield had a really hard time taking control of proceedings and it was a lot to do with the Whites summer signing. Farke will certainly be impressed with this performance.
Glen Kamara – 6
Did find himself too advanced on certain occasions and due to the lack of counter-attacking threat in the Watford side, that did not get exposed. Apart from that, he was among the best in possession on the field and for his first start, it was a pretty good outing there for the Finland international.
Crysenscio Summerville – 7
Was a livewire in the first half and there was a subjective call that could’ve seen him win a penalty for the hosts. He came close to scoring a few minutes later but was well denied. In the second period too, the Dutchman proved to be a constant threat and terrified defenders with his skills and direct running ability.
Joel Piroe – 7.5
Took some time to grow into the game but was on fire in the second half. There was a feeling that if the deadlock was to be broken, it would be because of the Dutchman.
Dan James – 8
Proved to be just as much of a threat on the other flank and him going down clearly looked like a penalty but it was questionably waved off by the referee. He continued being terrifying in the second half and provided an assist for Byram’s goal as well. He also worked extremely hard off the ball and his commendable work-rate makes him a Man of the Match candidate.
Georginio Rutter – 7
The club’s record signing was wasteful with his chances in the first half and Farke will be feeling he could’ve done better to hand the Whites the lead. The Frenchman was also a tad wayward with his passing and completed just 12 passes all game. He had two really good chances to find the back of the net, but did not show the composure needed. He did provide the assist for the third goal which spared his blushes slightly.
Subs
Jaidon Anthony – 6
Archie Gray – 5
Ian Poveda – 5
Luke Ayling – N/A
Ilia Gruev – N/A
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke surely has the last laugh as footage of a £20m+ player has emerged over the past week.