Some 26 Leeds United players have received a rating for how their summer preparations unfolded
Leeds United can feel satisfied with how their pre-season unfolded, although certain individuals performed better than the rest(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
The summer schedule has concluded and Leeds United will be content with the outcome. Fourteen goals were netted across six warm-up matches, which featured three sides from Champions League competition and one from the Europa League.
Clearly, these outcomes carry limited significance but Daniel Farke would prefer his side to begin the campaign with high morale, which is precisely the situation. He will also be satisfied with the dedication shown by his squad generally.
Below we assess how each Leeds player performed during pre-season – with several caveats. Those who did not feature for more than a quarter of an hour – specifically Ilia Gruev (none), Charlie Pickles and Freddie Lane along with goalkeepers Rory Mahady and Daryll Ombang – have not been assessed.
The same applies to Charlie Crew, who has now moved to Walsall on a season-long loan arrangement, while Largie Ramazani was omitted from the tour entirely. However, ratings have been assigned to Lucas Perri and Sebastiaan Bornauw, despite their imminent departures.
The rating system takes into account the entire summer programme, including whether players have completed a full pre-season – and whether they are match-fit – as well as any injury issues. With that in mind, here are the ratings.
Alex Cairns – 7
Many supporters will still recall the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United and he was indeed somewhat sluggish against Wrexham. However, he kept goals out against Sunderland and RB Leipzig in a two-hour fixture where he made several impressive stops. Also prevented any goals in the second half in Dublin. Carried out his responsibilities during his longest run of matches in years.
James Trafford – 8
Only loses points for one or two careless moments and allowing a goal against Man Utd despite not completing a full pre-season – which is obviously not his doing, but we must consider the overall pre-season context. Nonetheless, all other aspects of Trafford’s performance – distribution, handling, positioning – were impressive.
Lucas Perri – 2
Suffered a quad injury after the opening match meaning he has managed only 45 minutes of playing time – against Wrexham – and shipped a goal. Far from sharp or match-fit for Torino.
Jayden Bogle – 7
Put in the hard work and enjoyed some attacking runs down the right flank. Will remain the first-choice right-back, though needs to be mindful of the space behind when pushing forward. Perfectly acceptable summer, though.
James Justin – 7
Appeared very rusty in the first match but improved as pre-season progressed, primarily at left-back with Gabriel Gudmundsson sidelined through injury. His strike against Augsburg demonstrated renewed assurance on that side, after his missed penalty in the Dublin shoot-out.
Jaka Bijol – 6
His three appearances on British soil have been steady and adequate, but the fact he missed all three American friendlies meant he had to play catch-up and is not operating at full rhythm as he would prefer – although that may be less significant if he features in the central defensive position.
Tarik Muharemovic – 9
The only questionable moments came in the first half against Liverpool and during the goal conceded against Man Utd. But this is being overly critical. Muharemovic has demonstrated his skill, power and footballing awareness, not forgetting his acrobatic overhead kick against Augsburg. Easy to overlook he is only 23, such is the maturity in his display.
Joe Rodon – 9
His lowest moment came when being drawn out for Wrexham’s second goal but ever since then he has developed and surged forward – primarily down the right channel as the right-sided centre-back. Concluded pre-season with two assists for Dominic Calvert-Lewin; a flicked header and a cross. Defensively reliable in general as well.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – 8
Having sat out the first friendly through injury, Bornauw was highly solid and already appeared more composed than last term – although he does seem less comfortable in the Rodon role. It is unfortunate, but understandable, that he is heading to Hamburg.
Alfie Cresswell – 6
The 19-year-old particularly caught the eye against Leipzig when he helped to snuff out several crosses and struck a header against the bar. Was exposed on a few occasions in America but he is still inexperienced. Given his age, a highly valuable summer. A loan move elsewhere would not be unexpected.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 3
Not due to poor display – but rather his hamstring problem. He did not really have opportunity to build momentum when available either, having missed the first friendly and then suffered his recurrence in the third. He will not be ready for the first game, having also sat out the closing matches of last term.
Jayden Lienou – 7
Generally gave a strong impression. Did not really appear out of his depth and grew more assured in front of the home supporters. His inexperience and current lack of physical strength highlighted why Farke is eager to recruit more experienced left-back cover. But the young player certainly possesses potential.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Often stabilised the side when Leeds appeared vulnerable, though had a below-par first half against Liverpool – as did most players. But that was his only blemish. He looked sharp against Augsburg and his long throws have become more effective, three times resulting in goals.
Anton Stach – 7
While he performed excellently against Augsburg and will retain his spot for the upcoming weekend, he had previously failed to stand out. He himself acknowledged it took time to reach peak condition following his ankle injury at the end of last term.
Sean Longstaff – 9
Longstaff has justification to feel aggrieved at not starting against Augsburg given his outstanding performances and two goals across the previous five friendlies. He even won possession for the fourth goal on Saturday. There is not much more he could have achieved this summer.
Ao Tanaka – 6
Rather unremarkable. Gave away the decisive goal against Wrexham but performed better in the home matches, including providing the assist for Lukas Nmecha. However, his tendency to drop deeper to collect the ball appears to limit his creative impact. Whether he is experiencing a World Cup hangover or otherwise, only he will know.
Rhys Chadwick – 5
The young player was deployed in various roles; as an attacker in America, a right-back against Leipzig and a left-back against Manchester United. Coped adequately, although he did make some clear errors. Acceptable without impressing but perhaps circumstances meant he lacked opportunity to shine.
Brenden Aaronson – 8
Appears determined after receiving barely any minutes following a World Cup. Two assists and two goals should not be dismissed. As always, there are frustrating aspects to his play, but overall he was effective and positive
Callum Mills – 7
Impressed to such an extent that Farke singled him out after the Augsburg match. A risk-taker by his own admission, the 17-year-old showed no fear and recovered well from mistakes. Too inexperienced for senior involvement this season but much to be optimistic about.
Harry Wilson – 6
After a promising 45-minute display against Wrexham, Wilson has not quite reached those levels since. His enthusiasm and endeavour cannot be doubted but he is clearly still adapting to the system and his wide number ten role, having operated as a right winger for most of recent years.
Daniel James – 7
Highly energetic and applied himself properly, his turnover leading to Aaronson’s goal against Man Utd. Yet otherwise consistently struggled to deliver the final pass or shot and appeared off colour against Augsburg in an ill-timed display. Strong approval for always playing with positivity, though.
Noah Okafor – 6
Not through his own fault but rather limited opportunities due to his late return following the World Cup. He appeared reasonably sharp against Man Utd in his three involvements with the ball, less so against Augsburg but did not underperform. Will not be available for the Forest away fixture.
Wilfried Gnonto – 7
Could have earned a higher mark but for his poorly-timed injury after the Man Utd friendly. That said, he was fairly ineffective out in America. But he appeared determined to prove a point in his 15 minutes against Leipzig, contributing to the second goal, and was excellent in both directions in Dublin. His injury setback will hamper his rhythm.
Lukas Nmecha – 7
Ultimately, three goals cannot be disputed. And so he cannot be marked too low but the absence of output in other areas of his play is noticeable. Again, it is not through lack of effort, but his hold-up play and distribution requires further development.
Joel Piroe – 3
Receives all his points for that excellent finish against Wrexham and maintaining professionalism amid severe lack of playing time. He missed a penalty against Wrexham then failed to feature in the 400 minutes across the Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Man Utd matches. His 15-minute appearance against Augsburg was poor, but stemmed from his lack of match sharpness due to his exclusions.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 8
Did sit out the first two games through injury but hit the ground running upon his return. Three goals like Nmecha but contributed everything else as well, including an assist. Was involved – in some capacity – in all three first-half goals against Augsburg.