Leeds United player ratings vs Blackburn: Joe Rodon is horrific, one player gets 8/10
Leeds United were dealt a devastating blow to their promotion hopes on Saturday (13 April) after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.
Daniel Farke’s side dominated much of the match with 75 percent possession, but they were unable to break the deadlock before they were stung by a late winner from Sammie Szmodics.
The Yorkshire club remain third in the Championship table after missing a golden opportunity to go top.
PLAYER RATINGS
Illan Meslier [6]
Made a huge save in the first half to deny Blackburn a goal against the run of play and could do nothing about Szmodics’ superb finish late on.
Connor Roberts [7]
Fans were delighted when they saw Roberts’ name back in the lineup and the Welsh defender was one of the best players on the pitch. He looked threatening when linking up with Gnonto down the right and he made a vital clearance off the line to deny Blackburn a second-half goal.
Joe Rodon [2]
A surprise disappointment. Rodon ended the match having won no ground or aerial duels across the full 90 minutes. Blackburn were limited to a handful of chances but Rodon went missing when Leeds needed him the most.
Ethan Ampadu [6]
A solid performance and did all his best to keep Leeds in control of the game. Ampadu completed 100 passes – more than any other player on the pitch. However, he was let down by wasteful forwards on the other end of the pitch.
Junior Firpo [6]
A strong attacking performance and one of very few Leeds players who were willing to take a risk to create chances. Firpo was unlucky to not add an assist to his tally.
Archie Gray [4]
Leeds’ young star looked much more comfortable returning to a central midfield role but offered little going forward. Confident in possession but needs to take more risks and look to carve out chances when the ball is at his feet. Made just one key pass in 90 minutes.
Ilia Gruev [8]
One of Leeds’ best performers until Farke made the baffling decision to withdraw him in the second half. He completed 91 percent of his passes and won 100 percent of his ground and aerial duels.
Wilfried Gnonto [7]
Started brightly and looked a constant danger on his return to the starting lineup. Gnonto was unlucky to not etch his name onto the scoresheet in the second half and he relentlessly pressed the Blackburn backline as Leeds hunted for a goal.
Georginio Rutter [3]
Looked silky and confident in an advanced midfield role but his poor finishing and lack of goal threat is proving to be a real problem for Farke. Leeds are crying out for a goalscorer and Rutter needs to contribute more.
Crysencio Summerville [4]
Starved of space and time by a Blackburn defence eager to keep him quiet. Summerville held on to the ball far too long at times and was wasteful when he did lift his head up as he lost possession 27 times.
Joel Piroe [4]
Anonymous. Piroe was given the nod by Farke to lead the line instead of Bamford but the Dutchman looked lethargic and struggled to make an impact inside the box. He dropped deep to pick up the ball but it left Leeds without a dangerman in the area. Farke has two misfiring centre-forwards at a crucial period of the season.
SUBSTITUTES
Dan James [6] – Injected pace and energy and tried his best with six attempted crosses within 22 minutes.
Patrick Bamford [4] – Brought on to break the deadlock but continued his woeful form in front of goal. Bamford is great at picking up dangerous spaces but his finishing is atrocious.
Sam Byram [5] – Struggled to get involved after replacing Roberts on the right. Offered far less than the Welshman going forward.
Mateo Joseph [] – N/A
Jaidon Anthony [] – N/A
In other news, Leeds United will be forced to sell star players after ‘devastating’ financial update
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