Leeds United player ratings v Plymouth Argyle: Crysencio Summerville shines as Georginio Rutter struggles
Leeds United headed into the November international break with a workmanlike 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday 11 November.
Daniel Farke’s side continued their excellent start to the campaign with an important three points courtesy of excellent first-half strikes from Dan James and Joel Piroe to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.
The win sees the Whites solidify their place in third and means that the gap between them and Ipswich Town in second remains at eight points with plenty still to play for following the two-week break for the international fixtures.
Here’s how MOT Leeds News rated the players;
Ilan Meslier – 6
Barely had a save to make during the clash in what was a quiet afternoon for the Frenchman. Dealt with what he needed to on the rare occasion and was accurate with his passing as he was reasonably impressive with the ball at his feet. Maybe could have done more to stop the cross for Plymouth’s goal.
Archie Gray – 7
The 17-year-old was once again impressive on the right of Farke’s defence even if it wasn’t one of his best displays in a White shirt. Lost a number of his duels in the game against the lively Bali Mumba. With Djed Spence closing in on a return to fitness you have to wonder if supporters will see him at left-back too often.
Sam Byram – 7
As he has been throughout the season so far, the 30-year-old played excellently at left-back as he completed 92 per cent of his passes and won all three of his tackles. Hopefully, the injury that forced him off after 54 minutes isn’t too serious and he will be fit again following the international break.
Liam Cooper – 6
Returned to the starting XI for the first time since September in Pascal Struijk’s absence and was solid if unremarkable in defence. The Scottish international battled away in defence and showed that he is still more than capable of featuring in the Championship.
Joe Rodon – 7
The Welshman may have had a different centre-back partner, but his performance level remained the same. Plymouth didn’t carry much of a threat throughout the game yet Rodon managed to thwart them, on the rare occasions they ventured forward. Won every one of his duels in the match and he continues to be one of Farke’s signings of the summer [Fotmob].
Ethan Ampadu – 5
Was very fortunate to not give away a penalty during the first half as he appeared to foul Bali Mumba in the penalty area in what was an out-of-character clumsy challenge. Seemed to be the man marking Luke Cundle for Argyle’s leveller and was too slow to turn with the ball over the top. Other than that was his usual hard-working self as the beating heart of the Whites’ midfield.
Glen Kamara – 7
With each passing week, the Finnish international looks more and more comfortable in the heart of the Leeds United midfield. Kamara picked up an assist for James’ opener as he battled away with an excellent piece of pressing in the first half. There wasn’t a blade of grass the midfielder didn’t cover as he ran the show for the Whites.
Dan James – 7
The Welsh winger is going from strength to strength at Elland Road this season and has currently made himself undroppable on the right flank. His goal to open the scoring was a wonderful strike and the touch to kill the ball ahead of him was similarly excellent. Was slightly quieter in the second half but carried a threat throughout the game.
Crysencio Summerville – 8
There’s a reason the Dutchman won the Championship Player of the Month award. He was once again electric down the left flank, creating chance after chance for his teammates. He picked up yet another assist with an excellent pass for Piroe’s goal and played a huge part in the build-up for James’ opener as he gave the Argyle defence a real test. Is very quickly becoming Leeds United’s most dangerous player.
Joel Piroe – 7
After a quiet start to the game, showed excellent composure to slot past Michael Cooper in the Plymouth net midway through the first half. Really should have scored a second early in the second period, but his left-footed effort was far too tame. The important thing was that the Dutchman is back among the goals and hopefully, his strike will help his confidence when he returns after the international break.
Georginio Rutter – 5
Sometimes it’s just not your day and that appeared to be the case for Rutter against Plymouth. The Frenchman spurned several excellent chances including two in quick succession early in the second half. It had seemed he’d sorted out his finishing problems against Leicester but was wasteful against Plymouth both in front of goal and when passing to teammates. An afternoon to forget.
Subs
Junior Firpo – 5
Made his first appearance this season as he replaced Byram in the second half. Appeared to be far too high up the field for the visitor’s goal and perhaps should have been deeper. Some rustiness on show during his return to action.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6
Replaced James with just over 10 minutes left to play and was rather quiet as Leeds attempted to hold onto their lead.
Jaidon Anthony – 6
Replaced Summerville with around 12 minutes left to play. Forced an impressive save quickly after coming on. Easy to forget just how much depth Leeds United have.
Patrick Bamford – N/A
Replaced Piroe in injury time.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an update from one source over the terms of Rodon’s loan deal