Ilia Gruev stinks with 3/10, Glen Kamara shines with 8/10 – Leeds United v Cardiff City half-time player ratings
Leeds United head into the half-time break against Cardiff with a 2-0 lead, with Glen Kamara the star of the show from the opening 45 minutes.
The Whites dominated the early play and got a deserved lead when Patrick Bamford prodded in from inside the box to open the game up more.
Bamford and Crysencio Summerville had great chances to extend the team’s lead but failed to take them, before Daniel James tapped into an empty to net to make it 2-0 as Daniel Farke’s side head into the break in Wales with a solid lead.
Here are MOT Leeds News player ratings for the Whites for the first-half of the game..
Illan Meslier – 5/10
Had next to nothing to do on his return to action so far, but that’s exactly what you’d want. Distribution to the centre-backs has been simple but quick and effective, so more of that would be great.
Archie Gray – 7/10
Once again deployed at right-back and firmly the first-choice option at the club in that position now, and once again didn’t look out of place. Tucked into midfield well and kept the ball ticking over. Ability way beyond his years.
Joe Rodon – 7/10
Some vital interventions at the back end of the pitch to stop Cardiff being able to build much momentum, and some excellent passing through the lines to start attacks. Best defender at the club by a country mile.
Ethan Ampadu – 5/10
Not his usual influential self, but that’s to be expected when he’s playing in defence rather than midfield. Struggled a little but overall not a bad performance.
Junior Firpo – 6/10
The full-back provides great natural width with his left foot and his relationship with Summerville has been excellent. Great pace, real attacking threat and good quality too.
Glen Kamara – 8/10
A dominant showing from the Finland international in the middle of the park. Boundless energy matched with quality on the ball, a fantastic defensive nose and an attacking threat, the second goal all comes from him.
Ilia Gruev – 4/10
Given the role of dictator in midfield in place of Ampadu but hasn’t really taken his chance. Kept things simple but didn’t stand out much, and fans would surely rather see Gray in his natural role instead if this is what Gruev is going to deliver when he gets a chance.
Daniel James – 7/10
The Welshman in his home country made a big impact with his pace and the second goal. His link-up with the other attackers is fantastic and his defensive work-rate makes everything a little bit easier for the rest of the team.
Georginio Rutter – 7/10
A brilliant first 45 minutes from Rutter, who looks far more comfortable with the freedom to drift and float off the forward line than as the traditional number nine. Unlucky not to have got an assist for Summerville.
Crysencio Summerville – 7/10
Another assist for the flying Dutchman and another excellent performance. He’s far too good for this level with his agility, creativity, eye for goal and skill. If Leeds don’t get promoted then they can definitely wave goodbye to Summerville in the summer.
Patrick Bamford – 7/10
The forward is full of confidence now and has three goals in three games, justifiably keeping Joel Piroe out of the side. Poacher’s instincts at their finest and thankfully providing the killer edge the team has been lacking away from home, but probably should have had another goal to his name.
In other Leeds news, talks underway to sign “Absolutely Brilliant” Premier League defender.