MOT View: Shackleton scores in 2-1 win – Leeds U23 player ratings v Crewe
Leeds United under-23s travelled to Crewe on Monday looking to continue their impressive run of form in recent months.
Carlos Corberan made a couple of changes, with Leif Davis and Jordan Stevens – fresh from his cameo on Saturday coming into the line-up.
The young Whites dominated the opening stages of the game, and they managed to make that count in the first half. Jamie Shackleton opening the scoring with a great effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Leeds had to work hard to keep hold of their lead in the second half, with Crewe improving significantly. The home side equalised after poor marking gave them a clear opportunity to volley home.
Pascal Struijk tapped home the winner late on for Leeds from a corner, as they continued their run with an impressive three points once again.
Here are our MOT Leeds News player ratings from the 2-1 win…
Kamil Miazek – 8
The Pole didn’t have many saves to make in the first half but was alert in possession with conditions not very favourable in the rain. Made a couple of cracking saves in the second half to keep his side in it at times.
Bryce Hosannah – 7
Hosannah must be a nuisance to play against. The right-back is constantly up and down the wing, constantly providing an overlap to Stevens. He made a number of great challenges as well in defence.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Didn’t have much to do after moving to left-back in the second half. The Dutch colossus was solid enough, even with a few lapses of concentration at times. Struijk was alert to tap home the winner.
Nohan Kenneh – 8
Celebrated his new deal in the week with a dominating display. The 17-year-old anchored the midfield perfectly, putting great pressure on the opposition and ending a number of counter-attacks with some smart interceptions and his physicality.
Leif Davis – 7
A good return to the under-23s for Davis. His pace is a great asset from full-back and he caused Crewe problems on a number of occasions down the left-hand side with Huggins.
Charlie Cresswell – 7
Solid once again from the defender. Cresswell makes it look so easy at the back in whichever game he plays in. His menacing physique makes it simple for him to keep attackers quiet. More importantly, he kept hold of the ball superbly and rotated the play very well with the likes of McCalmont in front of him at Alexandra Park.
Alfie McCalmont – 8
Yet another well-drilled performance from McCalmont. Pushed further forward in midfield, the Northern Ireland international was a great pivot between attack and the deeper players to help Leeds keep possession. The captain also was the main player pressing in the heart of the pitch, putting great pressure on the opposition.
Jamie Shackleton – 7
Importantly, the midfielder got more minutes under his belt on Monday. Shackleton went about his business quietly and did make a couple of poor passes. He opened the scoring with a great effort and will be pushing to be involved against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Jordan Stevens – 6
A strange outing for Stevens. Usually known for having good composure, the winger blazed a number of opportunities over the bar. His decision making was also questionable, firing high balls into the box and attempting long diagonal passes despite the wind being way too strong.
Niall Huggins – 7
An outstanding first-half was followed by a somewhat quiet second. Huggins was so direct and often tangled up his opposing defender when running at him. The Welsh youth international impressed, but needs to perform for the full 90 more consistently.
Ryan Edmondson – 6
Watching Edmondson can be so frustrating. The young forward has been tipped by fans as an option to fill the void left by Eddie Nketiah, but it is hard to envisage that right now. He may have assisted Shackleton’s goal, but it is hard to think of anything else he did. The striker struggles to press effectively and drifted through periods of the game not touching the ball.
Substitutes
Mateusz Bogusz – 5, Oliver Casey – 6, Liam McCarron – 6
In other Leeds United news, Jim White delivers major update on Che Adams move to Leeds