Thoughts from tonight eh, lads? Big three points for us in terms of retaining our position, which has to be the baseline goal, and really had to grind them out at the end of the game. Not an ideal performance against a side I think we should have more quality than, but we showed more of it in the moments that counted.
Ilan Meslier - 7.5 - Thought some of the distribution was a bit wayward, largely due to the Newcastle press and the congestion in midfield. Made some very key saves to keep us ahead late in the game, though, and feel much more comfortable with him there than Casilla.
Luke Ayling - 6.5 - We have much better balance with Ayling at RB (although I think he has put in a number of impressive performances at CB this season). Thought he was good in the first half, but struggled against Saint-Maximin, and some distribution was wayward. One particular moment where he defended impressively, but can't for the life of me remember who from.
Diego Llorente - N/A - Hopefully the lad gets properly fit soon and we get to see him play some part this year, as reckon he's a good player. Such a shame.
Liam Cooper - 7.5 - Defended well, in the most part, with some good aerial duels, and getting tighter from set pieces. Distribution tended to vary, but thought he kept getting put into difficult positions by our backwards passing. Looked composed playing on his weaker side, though.
Ezgjan Alioski - 6 - Has done a job the last few weeks, but shouldn't be a mainstay in the team, for me. He's too inconsistent, and that can cost you at this better level. He struggled to provide much attacking threat (at times not helped by Harrison overplaying), and the moments leading to his substitution were prime examples of the issues he can have in the team.
Kalvin Phillips - 6.5 - Again, thought he was better in the first half, struggled to keep up with the game in the second, as the midfield became congested, and we struggled to screen him that well. Hope to see better in upcoming games, but perhaps long break didn't help him in the context of this game.
Stuart Dallas - 7 - Mister reliable in the midfield. Did his job well at CM and LB, as he always does. A home grown player, don't you know, plucked from the wilds of Beeston. Scored just about the best handball goal you are likely to see.
Rodrigo - 8 - My MOTM today. Thought he linked our movement very well, and any time he touched the ball we looked threatening. Does very well for the first goal, as Bamford's ball into him isn't great, but he made it better, which is the sign of a good player. Perhaps should have scored in the first half, but whenever we looked threatening he was involved somewhere in it.
Raphinha - 7.5 - Perhaps a bit harsh? Despite his goal and assist I thought he struggle to impact the game as much as Rodrigo, but still looked a threat whenever we got it to him with a yard of space. He looks a steal at the moment, so hopefully that continues. Could very well be a mainstay of Radz' European ambitions.
Jack Harrison - 7 - Frustrating, I think. A beautifully taken goal, but spent much of the game overplaying and struggling to make much of an influence. Still, can mark him up for a matchwinning moment of coolness under pressure.
Patrick Bamford - 5.5 - The most frustrating game from him this season, I think. He seemed out of it, lethargic, and just not up to his usual energy levels. On top of that, I thought his hold up was poor, and just everything was a bit slow. His ball in the first goal isn't great, and he is absolutely responsible for their goal with moments of poor play. Had a good season so far, but need better than he showed today.
Pascal Struijk - 7.5 - Feel harsh putting him in the substitutes section, to be honest. Thought he was excellent today, thrown into a difficult situation. Been impressed with him whenever he has played CB this year. he looks good on the ball, cool and collected, and defended well today, too. One moment on his right foot against Shelvey sticks in the memory. Think he has a bright future as a PL CB, personally.
Mateusz Klich - 6.5 - Was surprised to see him benched, in all honesty. I thought he was alright off it. Didn't impact the game as much as i would have liked, but didn't do anything particularly wrong either.
Tyler Roberts - 7 - Much better than he has been off the bench most of this season. He looked lively and energetic, much of which Bamford wasn't, happily pressing high, even when he was all by himself. Possibly should have scored, but he makes a good run for it, and he is still young. On that performance, I am happy to see more from him.
So those my thoughts. You all probably disagree. Feel free to. I won't be blocking anyone here . Onto the next one, and hopefully another win.
Lubo's Leeds Ratings
posted on 27/1/21
It looks like an incredible signing. What a find for the club
posted on 27/1/21
St maximum is definitely a handful. Last night showed the issue with the man 2 man strategy when the man gets beaten... premier sides usually have 1 or 2 players who can do that and then it seems like they’re running at us with all the space in the world. It is what it is, it’s just a cost of how we play.
The ‘concern’ for me is more how we struggle when sides press us... when we’re not able to pass our way out and we’re forced to go longer... , but don’t really have the players for that. Hold up play isn’t our strength. Second half it seemed like we were kicking the ball away, losing possession, or losing the second balls. We saw it with Burnley, Brighton.. lots of times really. We saw it in the championship on occasion too. Not sure what the answer is with the playing staff we have - maybe that’s the point. We can analyse each performance and be happy or disappointed, but our squad is what it is and we’d all have taken this league position if offered it at the start of the season.
posted on 27/1/21
This season is about survive and then consolidate and build again for another season in the prem.
The side have exceeded my expectations in truth and played, mostly, some really good stuff. This league is completely different beans and so we're finding our feet. Credit to the club and players for having us where we are.
Given recent results it was a good 3 points last night - 3 more closer to another season in this league.
All without our 2 centre back signings from the summer, certainly in recent weeks anyway. Think we need someone in on loan to add assurance to that position, though i suspect we won't.
posted on 27/1/21
Personally I think meslier is very much a work in progress. Bit flappy on crosses/hit and miss on punches. Good shot stopper but he seems to get given great credit for regulation saves, which all of last nights were really I thought. Thought he would have made almiron’s decision harder if he’d come off his line last night.
I’m nitpicking here, he’s doing great for a 20 year old, and I’m all for getting behind a player, but to me, he’s a just a good prospect, chucked in at the deep end and largely swimming - which is admirable. Just a bit early to be bestowing future greatness on him.
posted on 27/1/21
He hides it well as he always wears long sleeved tops but Meslier is one of the skinniest ‘keepers I’ve ever seen
Sorry random point but just sprung to my mind
posted on 27/1/21
Generally agree Lubo but think you've been kind to Patrick, thought it was one of the worst if not the worst I've ever seen him in a Leeds shirt - quite perplexing really.
Overall I'm absolutely ecstatic this morning, as for me when all is said and done 3 points gained in a genuine 6 pointer.
I think the bigger picture last night of grinding out a result was achieved even if the likes of Shelvey were not really firing.
From here on in attaining 40 plus points is all that really matters.
We clearly need some clinical attention in the summer and sadly some of the regular stalwarts need to be moved on or at best be on the fringes as more quality replacements come in.
Centre mid is key for me - still can't really decide if it looks so wide open at times due to MB's very high pressing game or our midfield is just finding this level of football a bit demanding.
Anyway I think the whole squad needs praise for getting to this amount of points at the mid way point - if we stand back and be realistic its absolute magic.
posted on 27/1/21
comment by Stretchy Mendy (U1641)
posted 47 minutes ago
He hides it well as he always wears long sleeved tops but Meslier is one of the skinniest ‘keepers I’ve ever seen
Sorry random point but just sprung to my mind
-------------
yeah to be fair.. he's got that tall, skinny build - he's only 20 so he'll add some bulk naturally.. but his body type he'll never be 'big'
posted on 27/1/21
Let’s be realistic about Raphinna
He’s a champions league player. If he carries on his good form only a matter of time before a top champions league side comes in (12-18 months) and offers £40m +.... given our aim and financial strategy don’t think that’s money we can turn down unfortunately.
Don’t see him at Leeds for long.
posted on 27/1/21
comment by The Spanish Italians - its not coming home (U21595)
posted 59 minutes ago
comment by Stretchy Mendy (U1641)
posted 47 minutes ago
He hides it well as he always wears long sleeved tops but Meslier is one of the skinniest ‘keepers I’ve ever seen
Sorry random point but just sprung to my mind
-------------
yeah to be fair.. he's got that tall, skinny build - he's only 20 so he'll add some bulk naturally.. but his body type he'll never be 'big'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He will fill out as he ages ( I know I have ) but Our players are all rakes... diet of lettuce and heinous fat % targets.
Saw BPF play recently he’s twice the size he was at Leeds... guess it might just have been from scoffing burgers whilst bench warming
posted on 28/1/21
Having watched the whole game on the LUTV 'catch up', I think your ratings and comments are spot-on, Lubo