Live from Loughborough: Edmondson, Meslier, Bogusz – Leeds U23 player ratings v B’ham
By Mark Smith at Loughborough University
Leeds United Under-23s travelled to take on Birmingham on Friday, looking to take their league form into the Premier League Cup.
Carlos Corberan was without a number of his key players – Alfie McCalmont and Jamie Shackleton were notable absences from the win over Crewe.
Leeds dominated the first half, but an inspired performance by Blues stopper Moha Ramos made sure that his side went into the break 1-0 to the good against the run of play.
Shocking defending at the beginning of the second half gifted Birmingham another, and that’s how it finished.
Here are our MOT Leeds News player ratings…
Illan Meslier – 6
Had very little to do in the first half, distribution remained strong. Nothing he could do about the goals.
Bryce Hosannah – 6
One of the most attacking full-backs we have seen at Leeds. Captaining the side, he often let his emotions get the best of him. Hosannah was caught out of position a number of times when going forward.
Charlie Cresswell – 8
Such a leader. Cresswell was vocal all 90 minutes and dominated the Birmingham attack for the majority of it. He could have scored if it wasn’t for another great save from the keeper.
Nohan Kenneh – 5
Missed a number of early challenges, picking up a booking after two or three. Lost his man for the second on a poor afternoon for the youngster.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Much stronger down the left. Struijk is starting to add the attacking style that his game lacked drastically only a couple of months ago. Made strong runs and whipped in a number of good crosses.
Joe Stanley – 7
Very confident debut from Stanley, who demanded the ball at every occasion. He should have scored twice but he kept getting into dangerous areas causing problems for the home side.
Jack Jenkins – 5
We have been impressed with Jenkins recently, but he wasn’t at his best on Friday. The midfielder was often isolated, and as a result lost his man in the process – hard to fill the boots of McCalmont.
Niall Huggins – 7
Quickly becoming a main player for the U23s. The welsh youth international has blistering pace and Birmingham couldn’t handle that at all. He got in behind a number of times but did lack that final ball.
Mateusz Bogusz – 7
Much better from Bogusz who has been quiet recently. The Pole played in the no.10 role and his close control allowed him to push into the final third with ease at times.
Liam McCarron – 6
A strong first half was followed by a very poor second. McCarron was dragged off early, and needs to find a better end product after beating his man.
Ryan Edmondson – 5
It is hard to find the answer behind his struggles recently. Edmondson has the players behind him to cause constant problems, but he never seems to be involved massively. He did run hard once again, but you need more than that to play for Leeds. He was dragged off in the second which tells you all you need to know.
Substitutes:
Bobby Kamwa – 6, Max McMillan – 5, Cole Gibbon – 5
In other Leeds United news, ‘Which striker’s it going to be?’ – Phil Hay delivers detailed response to key transfer question