Leeds United player ratings v Norwich – Summerville wows, 4/10 loses five duels
Leeds United booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a convincing 4-0 victory over Norwich City on Thursday (16 May).
Ilia Gruev opened the scoring before Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter ensured they took a comfortable lead into the break, with Crysencio Summerville adding a fourth goal in the second half.
The Whites enjoyed 59 per cent of the possession and had 11 shots on target as they secured their place at Wembley.
Football Insider has analysed the Leeds players’ performances out of 10 against Norwich.
PLAYER RATINGS
Illan Meslier [6]
Illan Meslier has come in for some criticism lately, but his contribution was vital to the victory. The French goalkeeper made a superb save to deny Josh Sargent in the first half. But he would have liked to have been slightly better on the ball after recording just a 62-per cent pass success rate.
Archie Gray [6]
It was another solid performance from Archie Gray to add to his growing catalogue of impressive displays. The teenager made one tackle, one key pass and recorded an 84-per cent pass success rate after returning to right-back for the second leg.
Joe Rodon leads way as Leeds United defence earns clean sheet
Joe Rodon [8]
Joe Rodon was a man mountain at the back. He won eight out of his nine duels, including all five of his aerial duels. The defender was also fouled three times as he barely gave Ashley Barnes an inch. Rodon will be crucial next week at Wembley.
Ethan Ampadu [5]
Although Ethan Ampadu didn’t have a bad game overall, he made an uncharacteristic error at 2-0 to let Sargent go one-on-one with Meslier. The Welshman won four of his five duels and recorded an excellent 94-per cent pass completion rate.
Junior Firpo [7]
Junior Firpo looked to provide an outlet down the left at every opportunity. He registered an assist to go alongside his two tackles. The left-back also won five of his seven duels.
Glen Kamara [4]
It wasn’t Glen Kamara’s best performance for Leeds despite the convincing victory. He won just four of his nine duels and lost possession eight times. The Finn would probably have liked to have contributed more.
Ilia Gruev [8]
Gruev set Leeds on their way when he scored a clever free-kick in the opening minutes. The midfielder put in a superb performance from that moment onwards, making one key pass and recording a 96-per cent pass accuracy.
Wilfried Gnonto [7]
Willy Gnonto was positive from the start and looked dangerous going forward. The Italian winger put in a stunning cross for Piroe to score the second goal. He also completed 100 per cent of his dribbles throughout the evening.
Crysencio Summerville stands out in superb Leeds United attacking display
Crysencio Summerville [9]
It’s no surprise Summerville was once again the star man for the Whites. He threatened the Norwich defence on numerous occasions and grabbed the fourth goal to cap off an unbelievable night for his side. The Dutchman also played six key passes and created two big chances. He’s Premier League-ready.
Georginio Rutter [7]
Rutter showed great energy and deserved his goal. While he was a little bit rash in the second half, making four fouls, he completed four out of his six dribbles. The forward looked more comfortable playing in the number 10 position.
Joel Piroe [6]
It was a good header from Piroe to put Leeds 2-0 ahead with one of his three efforts on target. Although the striker missed two big chances, he did create two opportunities for his teammates. He would have liked to have been a bit more involved at times, having only touched the ball 27 times.
SUBSTITUTES
Daniel James [5]
Dan James came on when the game was over and it was just about seeing out the final 20 minutes.
Jaidon Anthony [N/A]
Connor Roberts [N/A]
Mateo Joseph [N/A]
Liam Cooper [N/A]
In other news, an ex-Premier League CEO has made an exciting promotion claim.
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