Leeds United impressed on their Premier League return with a top-half finish, but a shocking 5-1 defeat to Manchester United exposed their frailty last week. Marcelo Bielsa made a few changes this afternoon as they locked horns with Everton at Elland Road. It was not a great start for the Whites but they came back twice from behind to settle for a 2-2 draw in this enticing encounter.
Below are the Leeds United players rated in their draw against Everton.
Illan Meslier: 6.5
Could have done little to stop the goals but was spot on with some crucial saves, particularly the one to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin on one-on-one. It could have earned the Toffees a 3-1 lead to ruin Leeds’ comeback hopes.
Luke Ayling: 7.5
Was busy down the right-hand side with his marauding run, duels and passing game. Did well to track back and make recoveries against the likes of Richarlison and Lucas Digne.
Pascal Struijk: 6.5
Made some crucial tackles, blocks and clearances in this open contest. Should have done better during Everton’s second. Was calm with the ball on his feet while playing it out from the back.
Liam Cooper: 6.5
Conceded a penalty for holding Calvert-Lewin in the box. Compensated with an assist to set up for Raphinha’s equalizer with around 20 minutes remaining.
Junior Firpo: 6
Yet to settle in the English game as he struggled once again on the left. Was rusty with his tackles and had a little impact going forward before making way for Jamie Shackleton around the hour mark.
Kalvin Phillips: 7.5
The return of the Three Lions international helped Leeds dominate the midfield game in phases. Lost a few duels but was quick to make recoveries before making distribution and creating chances high up the pitch.
Raphinha: 9
Had a quiet outing against the Red Devils, however, was back to his absolute best in front of the home crowd. Kept on causing menace from the right-hand flank and was outrageous to make it 2-2 with a curled effort to beat past Jordan Pickford.
Stuart Dallas: 8
His relentless runs and work ethics often stopped Leeds from being exposed in the centre of the pitch. Was successful with his dribbling attempts, made some crucial tackles to snatch the ball and maintained sheer supremacy while engaging in duels.
Mateusz Klich: 7.5
His smart finish late in the first half brought the hosts back into the game. Tried his best to operate as the linker between midfield and attack. Made way for Tyler Roberts around the hour mark.
Jack Harrison: 7
Effective from the left-hand flank as he not only helped them at the back but also made timely overlapping runs to contribute to the attacking build-ups. His crosses could have been more accurate though.
Patrick Bamford: 7.5
Had some rifts with Everton’s Yerry Mina inside the box. Was mostly contained by the visitors but had his moment while setting it up for Klich to make it 1-1 minutes before the half-time whistle.
Leeds United Substitutes Vs Everton
Tyler Roberts: 6.5
Added more firepower in the attacking third with his pace, swift footwork and directness.
Jamie Shackleton: 6.5
Did better than Firpo at the back during the final half an hour of the outing.
