Leeds United player ratings v Sunderland – Ethan Ampadu dazzles but 4/10 loses possession 22 times
Leeds United failed to move ahead of Leicester City after their 0-0 draw against Sunderland on Tuesday night (9 April).
The goalless affair at Elland Road put a huge dent in the Whites’ automatic promotion hopes with the Black Cats superbly nullifying Leeds’ typically aggressive front line.
Daniel Farke’s side struggled to create any decent opportunities to take the lead and had multiple handball calls waved away, but they will take solace in the fact that the league-leading Foxes lost 1-0 to Millwall the same night.
Football Insider has analysed the Leeds starting line-up’s performances against Sunderland.
Illan Meslier [6]
Had very little to do throughout the game despite Sunderland’s frequent movement in the final third. Managed three saves and six accurate long balls, but an otherwise quiet game for the Frenchman.
Archie Gray [8]
Consistently broke up the Sunderland attack and sprung pin-point passes to unleash dangerous counterattacks in the first half. Having achieved five successful ground duels, two successful dribbles and 81 per cent pass accuracy, he showed once again why he is so sought after.
Joe Rodon [6]
Decent performance but Sunderland rarely forced him to show his best. He could boast 92 per cent pass accuracy, three successful aerial duels and two clearances, but nothing from this display will make his highlight reel.
Ethan Ampadu [9]
Did excellently to put Black Cats ace and former Leeds star Jack Clarke off for a dead-set headed goal in the 15th minute and made a huge block in the 60th minute to stop a certain Sunderland opener. Once again proved his worth at centre-back.
Junior Firpo [4]
Advanced well up the field, but to little effect. Was dribbled past four times and lost possession a staggering 22 times, but made up for it in attack with eight successful ground duels and two successful dribbles. Mixed.
Ilia Gruev [7]
Showed the most effort of the entire midfield but, like his teammates, lacked that moment of magic that Leeds will need if they want to get that automatic spot. Gruev managed two tackles, three ground duels and 92 per cent passing accuracy and was a relative standout in an underwhelming game.
Glen Kamara [4]
Other than a few good bursts of pace, Kamara was little more than a passenger and failed to make a genuine impact. Secured 98 per cent pass accuracy, one interception and one tackle, but was otherwise lacklustre.
Daniel James [4]
Made a handful of decent-looking runs but Sunderland’s strong midfield and defence silenced his potential impact. The Welshman managed just 15 passes, two attempted shots and no key passes. Underwhelming.
Georginio Rutter [3]
Totally isolated in the first half and made his first noticeable impact with an off-target strike in the 54th minute. Won 10 ground duels but offered nothing in attack having made just two shots – both off target. Far below expectations.
Crysencio Summerville [3]
Took up good positions, but had one of his worst displays in the first half of his season. Frequently poor decision-making and had hardly any impact. Managed no shots on target in a forgettable display, despite a much-improved second-half performance.
Patrick Bamford [2]
Was absent for most of the first half and struggled to get on the ball. He managed just one shot, which was off target, with no key passes and just 30 touches. Much of the disgruntled Elland Road faithful will hope he is dropped.
In other news, Leeds United have “regret” as crippling transfer details revealed.
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