Leeds United player ratings v Norwich – Rodon shines, 1/10 lost ball 15 times
Leeds United limped to a 0-0 draw with Norwich at Carrow Road, leaving their chances of promotion on a knife-edge ahead of the second leg at Elland Road.
A cagey game saw neither side take control with several disappointing displays for both clubs, but the result will favour Leeds ahead of the second leg.
Recording 60 per cent of the possession, six shots and just two of those on target, Daniel Farke’s side will need to step up in the return fixture if they want to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Football Insider has analysed the Leeds players’ performances out of 10 against Norwich.
PLAYER RATINGS
Illan Meslier [5]
Matched everything asked of him in terms of keeping the ball out, making one save, but his distribution left a lot to be desired yet again. A 66 per cent pass accuracy, with just five of 17 long passes finding their man, it was a poor display.
Sam Byram [7]
Defensively, Byram was outstanding. A 70 per cent ground duel success rate, as well as four tackles, one interception and one clearance, saw him lock down his opponent throughout.
Joe Rodon [8]
Similar to his defensive teammates, Rodon hardly put a foot wrong throughout as he prevented Josh Sargeant from having any joy. A 100 per cent ground duel success rate, 100 per cent dribble success rate and 89 per cent pass accuracy saw yet another dominant display.
Ethan Ampadu [7]
His composure and confidence in possession saw him contribute to Leeds’ play on the ball while his centre-back partner did the dirty work. A 99 per cent pass accuracy and 100 per cent ground duel success rate summed up his classy season.
Junior Firpo [6]
His defensive contribution was impressive, while a more advanced role often saw him drift into midfield where he won two fouls, won five of seven ground duels and attempted three crosses. Could have provided more going forward, but a solid display nonetheless.
Leeds United midfield struggled to take the game into their hands
Glen Kamara [5]
His usual calm and composed style was lacking slightly, perhaps due to the occasion or Leeds’ struggles throughout. A zero per cent aerial duel success rate, two fouls and losing possession 13 times contributed to a disappointing performance.
Ilia Gruev [4]
With four fouls, losing possession six times and having been dribbled past once, the midfielder’s usual confident displays looked a way off. While it didn’t cost his side the game, the lack of control in midfield became evident.
Archie Gray [1]
Playing as a more advanced midfielder, Gray completed just four passes in the first half, with his lack of creativity summing up Leeds’ day. His second-half display failed to see a step up, with a zero per cent dribble success rate and losing the ball 15 times – more than he completed passes.
Leeds United attackers struggle as Rutter stinks
Wilfried Gnonto [6]
Unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty or at least a free kick early in the game, but his impact fizzled out as the fixture went on. A 33 per cent dribble success rate and losing six of his ten attempted ground duels saw him struggle again.
Crysencio Summerville [5]
The crowd at Carrow Road was on his back from the first minute, but his performance did nothing to silence them. A 100 per cent dribble success rate impressed and he remained Leeds’ most dangerous attacker, but his end product, despite three attempted crosses and two key passes, was not good enough.
Georginio Rutter [2]
He was isolated up front for large spells of the game given the creative players’ poor displays. With a zero per cent dribble success rate and completing just six passes, he completely failed to affect the game going forward.
SUBSTITUTES
Jaidon Anthony [5]
Looked to ramp up the pressure and change the tempo in the final third but a 100 per cent cross-success rate and one shot on target were not enough.
Joel Piroe [3]
Much like Rutter, Piroe was largely isolated and struggled to impact the game from the bench, with just six touches and two passes in 20 minutes played.
Daniel James [N/A]
In other news, an ex-Premier League CEO has made an exciting promotion claim.
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