The72
Leeds United player ratings from 5-0 thumping of Burton Albion - The72
It was a complete performance from beginning to end as Leeds United demonstrated further proof they could be a side to be reckoned with.
From the opening whistle it was clear that Leeds were a side riding high on confidence and firing on all cylinders. It was also abundantly clear that opponents Burton Albion were outclassed and in for a rocky afternoon.
That proved to be the case as a rampant Leeds United side put the Brewers to the sword with fine movement and often exquisite link-up play that left the visitor space punch drunk. It wasn’t just the story of a five-goal thumping, it was also the story of an all-round performance where all played their part.
Delighted with the performance and result! That man @Lasogga10 on we going again Tuesday! Atmosphere was different class! #MOT pic.twitter.com/FmXGAMcSC1
— Liam Cooper (@LiamCooper__) September 9, 2017
Defence
Felix Wiedwald: Could have played a similar role as yesterday from his sofa be on FIFA17. Nothing really to do. Struggled to come for one corner, but distribution was very good. 6/10
Luke Ayling: Solid and dependable at the back, as usual, and showed willingness to get forward. Due to ease of game, was more a marauding wing-back than full-back. Encouraged by the crowd to shoot when nearing 35 yards from goal. 8/10
Pontus Jansson: There when needed at the back, solid in the tackle. Also showed composure on the ball to get Leeds moving. One chance from a corner, glanced header just wide. Some good tricks on the ball to help move Leeds out of defence. 7.5/10
Liam Cooper: As composed as he has been this season. Dependable on the ball, composure is better since gaining game time alongside Jansson. Good cushioned headers to fetch Leeds’ holding midfield into play. Shaded his defensive partner. 8/10
Vurnon Anita: Only got one half out of the former Newcastle United man, but he showed his worth at the back. Solid as ever, also a threat going forward. Has taken to the left-back role well. 7/10
Next up are ratings for the midfield, striker and substitutes.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips: Some thundering tackles coming in that helped keep Burton at bay. Played beyond his years with a performance that belied his tender years. Distributed the ball well and got forward when needed. Took goal well, picked spot and drove it in past despairing dive of Stephen Bywater. 8/10
Eunan O’Kane: What didn’t he do? Voice behind me in the crowd said he was “like bloody Lazarus.†Continues to come on under Christiansen. Settled in role, showed great strength on the ball. Two assists for Lasogga and Phillips goals – pass to Lasogga edging on sublime. 9/10
Kemar Roofe: Like a buzzsaw all game long. His pace and control worried Burton for the full 90. Willingness to run at players evident in his goal. Drove at Burton, created space and drilled home past Bywater. Assist for Lasogga’s second showed poise and assurance, placed ball into space with aplomb. 8.5/10
Samu Saiz: Let’s get one thing straight, how we got hold of this little Jedi should be bottled. His positioning, movement off the ball, flicks and touches, anticipation…basically everything he does is really beyond Championship level. Teams will struggle against him this season, Burton didn’t really get a hold of him. Some of the flicks and tricks he did, especially that flick up cross, deserve a booking for pure filthy play. 9.5/10
Pablo Hernández: Along with fellow Spaniard Saiz, Hernández ran the show. Both of them were like puppetmasters pulling the strings and making Leeds United dance. Hernández controlled things at time with consummate ease, was easy to see Premier League class in his play. Passing and touches brought others into play. 9.5/10
What a fantastic day … pic.twitter.com/NKQwEv5bcF
— P.-M. Lasogga (@Lasogga10) September 9, 2017
Striker
Pierre-Michel Lasogga: A bulky striker with deceptive pace and excellent movement. Couple that with a great touch and a sense of positioning that is almost SatNav in accuracy, and you can see why Leeds fans are salivating over the Hamburg striker’s début. Two good goals were the cherry on top of a performance that also included nine shots – two of which were blocked (one saved) and one that rattled the goalposts. Hold-up play brought others into the game. 9.5/10
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas: Replaced Anita at half-time and dropped in to left-back initially. However, with Leeds in ascendency, he played more as a deep-lying left-midfielder and spent most of his time getting forward. Solid for the half, stung Bywater’s palms with a trademark blistering drive. 7/10
Mateusz Klich: Came on and replaced O’Kane in 56th minute. Showed the qualities why Leeds bought him. Solid in protecting what was essentially a two-man Leeds United defence in the second half. Unspectacular in his play, but played his part. 84% accuracy with his passes as the Whites continued to press Burton. 7/10
Jay-Roy Grot: Replaced Lasogga just after the hour mark, so didn’t really get much of a chance to show what he could do. His physical presence occupied a tiring Burton defence who would have been looking for the clock to run out and be kind to them. 12 touches of the ball and one shot when played in – blocked by scrambling defender. 6/10
Unused Subs: Andy Lonergan, Ezgjan Alioski, Pawel Cibicki, Conor Shaughnessy
