Facundo Buonanotte stinker, Ethan Ampadu changed the game – Leeds United player ratings vs Birmingham City
Leeds United secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a penalty shootout win against Birmingham City on Sunday.
The Whites travelled to face the Championship side with progression to the next round in mind for Daniel Farke and Co.
That is exactly what they got after a shoddy first-half performance, when Lukas Nmecha found the net with an excellent strike just minutes after the interval.
Patrick Roberts took the tie to extra time with a last-minute strike, but it was Sean Longstaff who had the final say as the travelling outfit secured a win on penalties.
It is Leeds celebrating victory at the full-time whistle, as MOT Leeds News rates each player’s performance out of 10.
Facundo Buonanotte was shocking vs Birmingham City
Chances have been at a premium for Facundo Buonanotte since coming in from Brighton on loan, but he didn’t take his opportunity against Blues.
The 21-year-old was hooked at half-time and for good reason, as his lack of impact was clear for all to see as the Whites suffered in the midfield battle.
He completed just 15 passes and racked up an expected assist tally of 0.02, which obviously isn’t good enough from the attacking midfielder.
Buonanotte also failed with all three of his attempted dribbles, maintaining a zero per cent accuracy as he also lost seven duels at St Andrews.
That sums up his day and provides context as to why Farke decided to bring him off with just 45 minutes gone in the second city.
Ethan Ampadu changed the tide for Leeds United
It was certainly a scrappy second half, but the introduction of Ethan Ampadu made all the difference in midfield for Leeds.
The Wales international brought calmness to the middle of the park and helped the Whites to get a foot on the game when they needed it most.
He maintained a 77 per cent pass accuracy while also chipping in with three tackles, six clearances and five recoveries.
That is only helped further by his nine duel wins on the day as he helped Farke’s side see out a tough clash in the FA Cup on penalties.
If Ampadu hadn’t come on, who knows what the scoreline could have been?
Leeds United player ratings vs Birmingham City
Lucas Perri – 7
James Justin – 4
Jaka Bijol – 5
Sebastiaan Bornauw – 6
Wilfried Gnonto – 4
Ao Tanaka – 4
Sean Longstaff – 4
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 4
Noah Okafor – 6
Facundo Buonanotte – 3
Lukas Nmecha – 6
Substitutes
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6
Brenden Aaronson – 4
Joel Piroe – 5
Jayden Bogle – 5
Joe Rodon – N/A
For even more of the latest Leeds transfer news, head over to Football Insider.