Leeds United have been a Box Office hit all season with their exciting brand of football under Marcelo Bielsa. Not only are they expected to maintain their top-flight existence but also tipped to make a top-half finish considering the energy and enthusiasm exhibited so far this campaign. Leeds had a tricky test though this afternoon when they hosted high-flying Chelsea at Elland Road and the game ended up in a stalemate, unlike their usual outings.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their 0-0 draw against Chelsea.
Illan Meslier: 8
The youngster was majestic between the stick as he made an array of saves in both halves to ensure a clean sheet. Was lucky though when Llorente hit his own bar which could have resulted in a bizarre own goal.
Luke Ayling: 7
Delivered a balanced display from his right-back role and did well against the in-form Mason Mount who was trying to cause menace with his pace, dribbling and cut insides. Made a lot of recoveries and mostly concentrated on his defensive duties.
Diego Llorente: 7.5
Was lucky when Ayling’s clearance bounced off him before hitting the woodwork. Looked solid at the back against Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. His positioning and composure on the ball helped the Whites maintain discipline and shape from the back.
Pascal Struijk: 7.5
His tackles were rusty, but the youngster is developing well into a utility option who did a commendable job alongside Llorente in the heart of the backline. Made some crucial interceptions and no-nonsense clearances.
Ezgjan Alioski: 6
Worked hard from the left but was finding it difficult against an onrushing Chelsea attack. Need to work on his passing accuracy as his final ball let the hosts down far too often.
Kalvin Phillips: 8.5
Excellent once again as he screened the defensive line with sheer expertise and broke down the visitors’ moves deep down the midfield. His strong presence in the middle of the park forced Chelsea to explore the width of the pitch.
Raphinha: 7
A mixed outing for the Brazilian who had a few successful dribbles but, at the same time, got dispossessed on a couple of occasions and lacked the spark in the attacking third despite testing Edouard Mendy in Chelsea goal.
Stuart Dallas: 7.5
Worked tirelessly in the centre of the pitch and his mobility, pressing and the intent of closing down the opponents refrained the Blues from dominating the midfield game.
Tyler Roberts: 6.5
Came close to score in the first half but looked a bit out of depth with time. Yet he did well in terms of work ethics and link-up play from the middle.
Jack Harrison: 5.5
Had a few impressive runs in the initial minutes but faded off eventually. Got replaced by Helder Costa midway through the second half.
Patrick Bamford: 5
Was desperate to prove a point against his former club. However, his time on the pitch was cut short due to an injury and the Englishman was forced to make way for Rodrigo just over the half-hour mark.
Leeds United Substitutes Vs Chelsea
Rodrigo: 6
Had an attempt on target after coming on in place of Bamford. Was taken off to be replaced by Klich in the closing minutes of the game.
Helder Costa: 6
Brought in pace and more directness with his strong runs from the flank.
Mateusz Klich: 6
Was brought in to calm things down in midfield during the final quarter.
