PLAYER RATINGS: Leeds United v Burnley 0
BY JONATHAN BRITTAIN ON AUG 10, 2015
A tough test was what met Leeds United at Elland Road for an early Championship kick off, in the form of newly relegated Burnley. Sean Dyche’s men were looking to get their bid for getting straight back to The Premier League on course, while Leeds were trying to prove that new manager Uwe Rosler was the man to take them forward.
Note: LUFC ratings only
Marco Silvestri- A fairly drama free afternoon for the young Italian. Made good saves from the Burnley attackers she called upon, including one spectacular stop. Only one wobbly moment right at the end where it looked like he was going to run into Bamba but overall a solid display. 7/10
Gaetano Berardi- Looked a lot more comfortable in the right back position that he did last year. Played the ball well with Byram and supported him well when on the attack. Looked solid against the Burnley left winger and made some crucial tackles and some beautiful crosses. Made the assist for the goal. 7/10
Giuseppe Bellusci- Played very well next to Bamba and put in some big tackles to stop Burnley attacks. Still looks very reckless and was easily wound up by referring decisions, needs to keep his temper under control if he wants to keep his place. 6/10
Sol Bamba- Man of the match, was the thorn in Burnleys side. He was heading everything clear and making big tackles, seemed to have a good understanding with Bellusci. Excellent performance from the big Ivorian, a captains display, did not put a foot wrong. 10/10
Charlie Taylor- The youngster looked very assured at left back, a lot more so than he did at left wing last year understandably. Was overlapping Dallas very well and was always helping him. Put in some dangerous crosses for Wood to attack. 7/10
Tom Adeyemi- The new midfielder F***ed into the slightly defensive midfield role brilliantly. Linked in well with Cook and Mowatt and was in the right place for a chance near the end but hit it on the half volley far into the South Stand. Overall a very pleasing debut. 8/10
Alex Mowatt- Not the best game of the young midfielders career. I think he went missing for periods of the game and struggled to cope with the high tempo style of play. Came very close with his one chance but powered the ball past the far post. 5/10
Lewis Cook- Very good performance from the young man, was breaking up the midfield nicely and always had a calming influence when on the ball. Passing wasn’t at his usual 100% but still made some crucial plays of the ball. 6/10
Sam Byram- A lovely performance from the right winger. Was up and down the wing making defensive tackles and attacking plays. Really good relationship with Berardi who was on the overlap which meant Byram would sit back and defend. Another show of why the Premier League sides are looking at him. 8/10
Stuart Dallas- A great debut from the new signing, played well with Taylor was owned the left wing. Made one attacking run in the first half from through the heart of the Burnley defensive and looked dangerous on the attack. Hit the bar in the first half with a scramble in the box. 8/10
Chris Wood- Not as impressed with the lone striker on his competitive debut. Made the chance for Dallas when he hit the bar but apart from that I wasn’t too happy with his performance. Held the ball up okay but didn’t create enough. Wasn’t winning his headers enough in and around the box, had a good chance in the second half but was taken away from him with a bad touch. 5/10
Mirco Antenucci (For Dallas) Would of been man of the match if he’d played 90 minutes. Subbed half way through the 2nd half and didn’t stop running, he was all over the pitch causing havoc. A beautiful curling goal from 25 yards out capped a brilliant 30 minutes for the Italian. Certainly put himself in contention for a start again Doncaster. 9/10
Soleyamane Doukara (For Mowatt) Wasn’t on the pitch more than 5 minutes but has seemed sharp all through pre season. Wouldn’t be surpassed to see him play mid week. 6/10
Scott Wotton (For Cook) Again wasn’t on for very long and played out of position. Didn’t have any impact on the game. 6/10
I came away from the match with the ‘I would of taken a draw at the start of the day’ attitude, which I think is most Leeds fans opinion. A draw against Premier League opposition last year and a great performance to go with it. Bring on Doncaster mid week and kick on for the first away match next Sunday. Well done lads!
