Leeds United won comfortably 3-0 in their first pre-season friendly of the summer against Harrogate Town, and here are our player ratings.
Illan Meslier – 6
Barely had little to do in terms of shot saving, but his distribution was rusty and needs to be improved.
Ethan Ampadu – 7.
Played on the right side of a defensive three, allowing him to move forward into midfield. The role suited him well, but the sooner he returns to the center, the better.
Joe Rodon – 6
A few of loose passes early on, but that’s understandable given that he started pre-season later than everyone else and it was the first game. There’s hardly much to do defensively.
James Debayo – 7
Almost got mixed up with Firpo early in the first half, but settled in well and didn’t look out of place.
Dan James – 7
Constantly moving forward, throwing crosses in down the right, and that wing-back role looked to suit him well, thanks to his ability to go up and down. However, he could have done better in those roles.
Ilia Gruev – 6
He played a solid and comfortable game in the middle, bringing up the ball from deep and keeping things easy.
Georginio Rutter – 8
Despite facing weaker opponents, he returned to his brightest form. Dribbling past opponents and generating opportunities through his vision and passing. His goal also had a lovely finish.
Joe Rothwell – 7.
Very busy in the middle, and he certainly proved what many had predicted about what he might contribute during the season. I also took a few decent set pieces.
Junior Firpo – 8
Reports He may depart, but he demonstrated his potential as a wing-back in Farke’s new formation. I also made it onto the scoresheet.
Joel Piroe – 5
For all of his time on the field, he was overshadowed by Mateo Joseph, his striking partner. I also gave the ball away several times.
Mateo Joseph – 9
He assisted Firpo’s opening goal and looked exceptionally brilliant throughout, connecting up play and running the channels with his intelligent movement. Great performance.
Subs
Karl Darlow – 6
Like Meslier, he has questionable footing. Didn’t have much to do, but did a good job dealing with a long ball in behind near the hour mark that could have easily resulted in a goal.
Sam Byram – 6
There wasn’t much to do when he returned to the pitch after the break, but his distribution down the flanks should have been much better.
Pascal Struijk -7
It’s great to have him back after so much time away, and he’ll be happy to have cleared his mind. Should be able to get the ground running against Portsmouth.
Charlie Crew – 7
Being booked in a friendly demonstrates that he is not scared to throw himself forward, but it was the crispness and precision of his passes that stood out tonight. Leeds are enthusiastic about this player.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6
Always looks better on the left side, and he linked up beautifully with Summerville in the second half. However, there is not much of an end product.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
As previously stated, I successfully connected with Gnonto using the left channel. His superb corner delivery led in Rutter’s goal, and he included a few of mazy dribbles to good effect, however he missed a sitter.
Joe Gelhardt – 6
Leading the line didn’t have as much of an impact on the game as Joseph had in the first half, but he did appear slightly brighter than Piroe.
Harry Gray (n/a)
Only 15 minutes, but it’s fantastic to see him on the pitch for the first team at his age, so soon after Archie’s departure. He also learned his own version of his brother’s chorus.
Luca Thomas (n/a)
Not for long.
Sam Chambers (n/a)
Although he was only on for a few minutes, it was a terrific opportunity for him to score.
