Javi Gracia’s Leeds United got off to a strong and exciting start in a hard-fought match with a Southampton side that are without a permanent managerial appointment. See Last Word on Football’s Leeds United player ratings and see how the club’s new tactical shape played out in a vital six-pointer.
Leeds United Player Ratings vs Southampton
Javi Gracia – 8
Before delving into the specific Leeds United player ratings, a lot of loyal Whites will want to know how new manager Javi Gracia performed tactically. No matter the result, Gracia’s impact on the squad has been immediate, making full use of his wingers and bringing some excitement back to Elland Road. The path to survival ahead of the club is a relatively long one, but there are good first steps to be taking.
Read More: Leeds United Hire Javi Gracia as Manager
Illan Meslier – 7
Not much to do in the first half after an impressive save from a curling Paul Onuachu shot. The second half was a similarly quiet affair for the keeper.
Luke Ayling – 7
The opening 45 minutes saw a few loose passes from the right-back, giving Southampton a few routes back into the match. A livewire throughout that caused a lot of problems at the top and held his own in defence.
Robin Koch – 7
A passionate performance from the German, who was on the receiving end of a fairly nasty aerial duel before half-time but kept pushing through.
Max Wober – 7
In spite of a few errors in positioning, he kept the back locked down alongside Robin Koch in the first half.
Junior Firpo – 9
An incredibly strong first half where he was allowed to venture higher up the pitch, creating intriguing interplay with Willy Gnonto. Had a performance that was well worth his goal on the 77th minute, coupled with incredible defensive efforts, saving Wober a couple of times.
Tyler Adams – 8
Controlled the midfield throughout the first half, putting himself about and ensuring that the Whites retained the ball as much as possible.
Read More: Our Leeds United Predicted Lineup for the Match
Weston McKennie – 7
Missed a couple of chances and an underhit pass to Brenden Aaronson may have cost the side a goal, but worked well with Adams to dominate the centre of the park.
Brenden Aaronson – 7
Had a much better match than he has in recent months, creating a lot of opportunities and getting more involved as a number ten. Lacking in confidence when it comes to playing the final ball. An excellent performance but it needed to show on the scoresheet.
Wilfried Gnonto – 8
His usual bright and intriguing self, caused Ainsley Maitland-Niles a lot of first-half problems before Southampton had time to adapt. Taken off early in the second half but created a lot of opportunities for the Whites in the time he spent on the pitch.
Jack Harrison – 7
Surprisingly played out on the right wing, but performed to a good standard there. Played a key role in a lot of attacking moves throughout the first half, before switching back to the left as Gnonto came off. Footwork befuddled the Southampton defence for the majority of the match.
Patrick Bamford – 8
More width means more space for Patrick Bamford to do his thing. Should have won a penalty at the start of the second half, and his elite movement caused constant issues. Busy in the press and was only really missing a goal from his performance.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Came on for Wilfried Gnonto. A bright spark that drifted across the pitch, using a great eye for space to create some of the better opportunities of the match. Had a great chance to score in the dying moments, probably deserved one too.
Georginio Rutter – 7
Replaced an excellent Brenden Aaronson, and looked better than he has in recent weeks. Linked up well with Summerville and Harrison, and could be perfectly suited to playing as a number ten. Started to really shine in this match.
Marc Roca – N/A
Came on for Patrick Bamford with just five minutes left on the clock, didn’t have a chance to do too much.
