Leeds United’s pre-season friendly schedule is now over, having concluded in Dublin during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan.
Leeds played five friendlies in five different locations across four countries, each fixture offering more insight into Daniel Farke’s summer progress. It’s been a busy time.
While one game, at SC Verl, took the unusual format of having 60-minute halves, away from the pitch Farke and his recruitment team brought in a wave of new signings - some of whom joined during United’s travels abroad.
Here, we rate each player who got minutes on the tour. This does not include those Farke left behind at Thorp Arch, who played in various domestic friendlies, nor players who featured for the senior side then left, like Charlie Crew.
Lucas Perri - 6
It’s hard to judge off 45 minutes but we saw his direct long kicking and giant throw against AC Milan. His score only reflects the fact of little game time after arriving with injury, rather than doing anything wrong.
Karl Darlow - 7
Nothing sensational but pretty sturdy, barring his second half against Milan where he fumbled one onto the crossbar and missed a punch. Made some decent, albeit expected, stops in the other games.
Illan Meslier - 4
His low mark comes as a result of the past few days - his showings in pre-season have actually been quite good. But losing the number one jersey and not even being taken to Dublin is very ominous. Now a firm third choice.
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Alex Cairns - 6
Off the field, we know Cairns plays a massive role which should not be understated. He was given his first outing since his return to Leeds in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Paderborn and fell foul of the new eight-second handling rule. He nevertheless kept a clean sheet in his 40-minute run-out.
Jayden Bogle - 7
Would have a mark or two higher but for his injury. He continued his consistency and impressive output in the matches he played, though missing the final two weeks of pre-season with a hip flexor issue is really unfortunate timing.
Isaac Schmidt - 4
After looking out of sorts against Villarreal post calf injury, he did nothing to re-inspire the confidence against AC Milan - both of the goals conceded in both matches came via his flank. A loan away depends on Leeds getting another replacement in.
Joe Rodon - 8
Robust, steady and growing evermore into a real leader with each game. Rodon will be key in helping United avoid the drop. One fears what may unfold if he is to be ruled out for a period of time.
Jaka Bijol - 7
Jaka Bijol of Leeds United heads the ball before Matheus Cunha of Manchester United during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena
Bijol has shown some very encouraging elements in his pre-season games, including his aerial presence, composure and precision on the ball. He is obviously still getting to grips with the system and tactics but that will come in time.
Pascal Struijk - 7
Struijk has proven that Leeds have three very good centre-half choices this season. Some habits die hard and those were seen again this summer, only confirming the need for Bijol. But as for his head-magnetism and reading of the ball, these have arguably got marginally better.
Sebastiaan Bornauw - 4
Getting injured in your first training session of camp in Germany is never the way to start off your time at a new club and the defender has been unable to play since his second-half outing against Manchester United. Hard lines.
Gabriel Gudmundsson - 8
A very positive first few games, where has shown to be aggressive, attack-minded but also sensible. One drawback is that he has left space when venturing forward and another is tends to drop off as a game progresses. That might just be him getting back into the swing of things, though.
Sam Byram - 7
Getting a new deal means Byram’s summer has been a positive one regardless, and he hasn’t done too badly in the friendlies. Turning 32 next month, there is only so much development and adaptation we can expect from Byram. What he was last season he still is now.
Ethan Ampadu - 7
Ampadu stabilised as pre-season rolled on. He does need to mind his nipping tackle once competitive action starts, because the cards will soon rack up. As for his leadership and communication, it was evident to see - and hear - why he is captain. Played well vs Milan.
Anton Stach - 8
Leeds midfielder Anton Stach celebrates after scoring against AC Milan
Stach has shown that he has the capability of nailing down a regular starting spot next season amid midfield competition. He can do things going both ways, as well as take set-pieces. Strength, intelligence and end-product. Very encouraging first few friendlies - now for the real stuff.
Ao Tanaka - 7
His display against Manchester United only confirmed to any doubters that he is technically ready for the Premier League. In all friendlies, he was often seen pushing forward and - like Stach on the other side - sometimes moving into the no.10 vicinity. Still needs to build up his physique but that’s the easier bit.
Sean Longstaff - 6
This mark is not a criticism but merely a reflection of where he is at in adapting to his new side after a lifetime at his boyhood club. He’s looked forward well, being very positive, and has shown his football brain with passes that haven’t quite come off. Once he clicks, he’ll gain momentum.
Ilia Gruev - 7
Given the Bulgarian has seen two new midfielders come in, Gruev has responded brilliantly. Work-rate, ground coverage and stamina were all evident. Substitutions and line-ups have suggested that Farke indeed sees him as Ampadu’s understudy as the midfield pivot.
Brenden Aaronson - 7
Aaronson had a delayed return after playing in the Gold Cup final for the USA, but has fared brightly in the time he has enjoyed. Playing on the right seems to suit him better and simplifies his game. He could be a wildcard for Farke this season with his work-rate.
Sam Chambers - 6
Chambers had to fill in at right-back against SC Verl and, with some guidance, actually put in a good showing. His spurts in attack against Villarreal shows there is potential there. Still elements of rawness but he’s still only 18.
Rhys Chadwick - 7
Considering the context that this was a first full pre-season with the senior squad, this was a fruitful summer for last season’s Under-21s player of the year. The 18-year-old showed some nice touches and vision, being proactive and positive. Keep an eye on him.
Daniel James - 6
Dan James of Leeds United runs with the ball under pressure from Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan during the pre-season friendly at the Aviva Stadium
Hard to say whether it’s the new 4-3-3 system or the after-effects of a season-ending hamstring injury last term, but James hasn’t been at top tilt. He’s not seen much of the ball either, though has still shown his typical burst of pace and precise crossing in phases.
Wilfried Gnonto - 9
This was a very encouraging summer for the Italian, who excited with driving runs and quick feet - not to mention his strength. Two well-taken goals in Germany were followed by a busy shift against AC Milan after initially playing grandly against Manchester United. He is now the first-choice left winger amid the transfer frustration.
Largie Ramazani - 8
Ramazani is clearly more effective off the bench, as seen against Manchester United and via his two assists against SC Verl. He looks hungry, though could do with adding more versatility - he can be marked out of the game at times. He’s responded since being called out by Farke last season.
Jack Harrison - 5
Hearing your own fans boo you, while anticipated, will have clouded any confidence he had and that has shown at times on the pitch. Harrison has got himself into good positions but is lacking end product. He’s still getting used to Farke’s tactics after two years away. It must be underlined that his attitude and mindset behind the scenes has been praised by staff.
Joel Piroe - 8
His consistent eye for goal means his score is high - at the end of the day, that’s what strikers are here for. He looks leaner and sharper. However, getting lost for long periods and having to come deep to get involved only emphasises why a new marquee striker is needed.
Lukas Nmecha - 8
A really promising first summer from the new striker, who has used his body well and shown he has got more in his locker. Nmecha has taken on players, found the net and brought others into play. Needs to become more robust as going down easy in the Premier League will not win you many free-kicks.
Harry Gray - 7
His display against SC Verl summed up his potential and limited experience - a wonderful assist for Piroe before squandering a one-on-one chance. Again, not a criticism but just where he is at - he’s still only 16. A season in-house among Premier League elite with the odd cup cameo is the wise route. A healthy pre-season that offered a glimpse into the future.
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