It has been a heartbreaking start for Leeds United’s Premier League campaign as they had to endure a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in the opening day. It was a fascinating encounter where the Whites showed incredible determination and fighting spirit, with goals from Jack Harrison, Mateusz Klich and Patrick Bamford completely dismantling the Liverpool backline. Unfortunately, conceding a late penalty proved costly as it allowed Mo Salah to seal his hat-trick and all three points for the Reds.
Leeds United Player Ratings Vs Liverpool
Illan Meslier 6/10
Illan Meslier clearly lacked the experience needed to thrive against a team like Liverpool. He should have fared way better in some instances, in terms of his positioning. On the flip side, though, the Frenchman made some outstanding saves throughout the course of the game, including the one to deny Pascal Struijk from scoring an own goal.
Luke Ayling 6.5/10
Leading the side in the absence of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling was excellent down the right flank. He urged his team to move forward and develop an attacking mentality while providing some necessary support in the final third.
Pascal Struijk 4/10
Despite being one of Leeds’ best performers in the pre-season, it was always going to be a difficult task for Struijk to face the likes of Salah and Roberto Firmino. He didn’t have the best of evenings today.
Robin Koch 3/10
Robin Koch had a miserable debut, starting off with conceding a penalty inside three minutes. It allowed Salah scored the opener while the German international was also culpable for conceding the van Dijk goal as he failed to mark the Dutchman. Koch did settle into the game eventually, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Reds from taking all three points.
Stuart Dallas 4/10
Stuart Dallas found it extremely difficult to deal with the threat of Salah, who annihilated the left-back, at times. He did grow into the game, but the player must improve and settle in quickly at the highest level of football.
Kalvin Phillips 7.5/10
Despite Leeds’ shortcomings in the defensive department, Kalvin Phillips kept the team ticking throughout the course of the game. The midfielder provided some of the most exquisite passes in the game, including the one to feed Harrison for the first equaliser. His brilliant range of passing strengthened Leeds’ counter-attacking prowess.
Helder Costa 6/10
A phenomenal cross to feed to Klich for the third equaliser was the only real bright spot for Helder Costa this evening. The Portuguese lacked the end product in his game, and frequently, he drifted into no man’s land. He was a menace on the ball, however.
Pablo Hernandez 5/10
Pablo Hernandez had a relatively quiet evening by his lofty standards. He provided one or two crosses early on but was not a standout performer for the Whites as he usually is. The Spaniard eventually got subbed off in the second half.
Mateusz Klich 7/10
Mateusz Klich’s aggressive attitude and willingness to press the Liverpool ball-carriers epitomised Marcelo Bielsa’s heavy metal football. The Pole was indeed one of the best players on the pitch, covering a lot of ground and making it difficult for the opposition to retain the ball. He also scored the third goal but had to be replaced late in the game due to fatigue.
Jack Harrison 7/10
Jack Harrison’s early equaliser remains one of the best goals of the new season so far. The Manchester City winger, on loan at Leeds United, looked untouchable at times with his dynamism, pace and ability to drift past defenders. His work-ethic also caught the eye.
Patrick Bamford 6/10
Bamford missed a glorious opportunity to score for Leeds United in the first-half as he failed to chip Alisson and make full use of Ayling’s clever through ball. The ex-Chelsea starlet did make amends by scoring the second equaliser.
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Roberts 5/10
Replaced Hernandez around the hour-mark to provide some trickery and energy in the final third. Unfortunately, the Welshman had very little chance actually to make an impact on the proceedings.
Rodrigo 2/10
Came on during the hour mark to make his Premier League debut and much like Koch, it was a horrible one. The Spaniard barely had a touch on the ball as Leeds were pushed back by Liverpool. But more importantly, it was he who conceded a silly late penalty, handing the opposition all three points.
Jamie Shackleton N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Klich.
