Going through an inconsistent patch of late, Leeds United welcomed Burton Albion for their Boxing Day matchup. The Whites have been wary of their form and were looking to get maximum points out of the encounter, which they eventually did with a 2-1 win over their opponents.
Leeds United are now as high as fifth in the Championship table owing to their morale-boosting win.
Here is how the players performed on the night.
Felix Wiedwald – 6
A spectator in terms of save for most of the match could have perhaps been a little more proactive about the goal conceded. Good save at the end to deny Burton a way back.
Luke Ayling – 6.5
Was solid on his basic defending and did not allow much joy for Burton players down his flank.
Liam Cooper – 6
Lucky to be on the pitch despite a rash two-footed challenge, Cooper needs to up his game to help solidify the Leeds defence.
Pontus Jansson – 6
A job good enough for the night but might need to improve as the season progresses. He needs to be smarter with his defending as every team cannot be outmuscled.
Gaetano Berardi – 5
Not a good day at the office for him as he was found wanting time and time again. The cross for the goal came from his flank.
Ronaldo Vieira – 7
A good midfielder’s performance in the first half, controlling the game and a defence-splitting, inch-perfect pass in the second half to help Roofe open the scoring for Leeds.
Eunan O’Kane – 5
Brought in for Phillips for the match, he was unable to make an impression and might be demoted to the bench again for the next match.
Pablo Hernandez – 8
The Spaniard showed his true technical genius on the night with a brilliantly placed free-kick far out of reach from the Burton Albion keeper. His goal breathed life into his game and his dangerous level of play ascended as the match progressed.
Ezgjan Alioski – 5
Too much expectation led to his below average performance tonight. Was never composed on the ball and rushed his game rather than keep a calm head about the situation.
Pawel Cibicki – 7
A hardworking shift put in by the Leeds man on the night, he was unable to score or help his team score owing to some poor luck. Christiansen will be happy with his constant movement and involvement up front.
Kemar Roofe – 8
Used as a centre-forward again he justified his place on the team at the position most crucial to goalscoring. Not many would have placed their bets on him but with the other options unavailable; he might just be the man for Leeds now. A good goal on the night to help his team come back into the match.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga – 5
Needs to use his body better given his size. He can be given leeway given that he is returning to game time after his latest injury lay-off as was evident from his lack of movement.
Kalvin Phillips – 6.5
Demoted to the bench this time around after his Hull City display, he was brought on to shore up the defence in the closing stages. Did exactly that as he put in some smart interceptions and tackles to help his side hold on to their win.
