Leeds United are unbeaten in their opening four Championship matches of the season and here are our player ratings so far, with the first international break upon us.
Illan Meslier – 5
Perhaps a tad harsh to score him only half marks on the back of three clean sheets in a row, but a poor mistake on the opening day, as well as some shaky distribution, leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Karl Darlow – 4
Only started the 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup, but in truth, could not have done an awful lot about any of the goals.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Definitely seems to be looking more and more comfortable with each passing match, though his best display was undoubtedly at Sheffield Wednesday. Looked a bit shaky in his first two appearances.
Joe Rodon – 6
Not yet hit the heights of his displays on loan last season but has certainly played a part in Leeds‘ run of three clean sheets on the spin.
Pascal Struijk – 8
One of Leeds’ four stand-out performers this season and has made his return from a six-month injury lay-off look seamless. A magnet to set-pieces at both ends, and excellent on the ball.
Max Wober – 3
After all the speculation Wober is now officially here to stay until at least January. Won’t be happy playing second fiddle, but his performance against Boro in the cup didn’t do him any favours.
Junior Firpo – 8
Another of Leeds’ best alongside Struijk, Firpo has picked up where he left off from last season. Looks assured defensively, good on the ball, and his assist for Joel Piroe was superb.
Sam Byram – 5
Hard to give him any higher considering he’s barely played in the league and his only real outing came against Boro. Sure to play a part at some point.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Brilliant to have him back in midfield and leading by example as Leeds’ full-time captain. He’s so good, you don’t even notice him.
Ilia Gruev – 6
Gruev is a difficult one as he has had a couple of decent games, but still doesn’t look overly comfortable as that more advanced eight. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him replaced in the XI soon.
Joe Rothwell – 5
Restricted to just short little cameos in his four league appearances, though was one of the brighter sparks against Boro in the cup. Looks like fourth choice in midfield this season.
Ao Tanaka – n/a
Too early to give him a rating but his brief outing from the bench on his debut was highly promising.
Largie Ramazani – n/a
See Tanaka.
Manor Solomon – 6
Of course, only going off one game but what an impact he made. A match-winning assist from nothing for Mateo Joseph, and footwork that exceeds the Championship according to Neil Redfearn. Will be higher if he continues like that.
Wilfried Gnonto – 7
Has really thrived in more of a free role over these last couple of games. Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl was left blown away by Gnonto‘s performance at Hillsborough. Just needs more goals.
Dan James – 6
Quiet in the first two matches before scoring a lovely goal in a fine performance at Wednesday. Unfortunately James picked up an injury in the lead up to Hull City.
Joe Gelhardt – 3
Feels like a poor decision not to loan him out as he faces another few months of practically no game time. Didn’t really stake much of a claim on his only start against Boro.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Could not really have asked for anymore since his decision to return. Already has two goals, and looked really sharp against the Tigers. Would’ve been an eight but for his late miss against Portsmouth.
Mateo Joseph – 8
Finally handed the chance to be Leeds’ starting striker and has taken the opportunity with both hands. Link-up play, movement and work rate all superb. Great to see him get off the mark on Saturday. Like Aaronson, would’ve been higher but for a couple of missed chances.
Joel Piroe – 5
Really disappointing in the matches he has started but can’t argue with his impact when coming off the bench. Assisted Aaronson’s equaliser against Pompey, and sealed the win over Hull City.
Patrick Bamford – 2
Maybe a tad harsh but unfortunately it’s the story of same old Bamford. A couple of sub appearances and a start against Boro means he is back on the sidelines again. So frustrating.
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