Everyone is now going to do a Rotherham and will probably do it better so I can see Bielsa setting up for that when required
After reading through the Glory statement thread, if minty had posted that I'd assume it was an order
Looking forward to seeing how our locals rated the players, for now here are the player ratings from Leeds Live Bailey Peacock-Farrell: Back in the team after being rested for the midweek cup tie, with a fair few eyes on him following his error at Pride Park for the Derby goal. Showed why Bielsa kept his faith in the first half though, with one superb block after a misplaced Cooper pass in the six-yard box, which he followed up with a stunning fingertip save. 7 Luke Ayling: As we're used to now, Ayling was bombing down the wing on a regular basis, linking up very well with Pablo Hernandez. Went close with a long-rang rasper in the first-half, but would finally get his first goal for the club shortly after the break when he headed in a Kemar Roofe cross/shot. If Bielsa's Swiss Army knife is adding goals to his game, then he really can do everything. 8 Gaetano Berardi: Continues to full-in admirably in the middle, but still does not look a natural centre-back. Went very close with a long-range effort in the first half which would have brought the sold out house down. 7 Liam Cooper: The skipper was fortunate that his two big errors in the first half were not punished. A sloppy pass into no-mans land between Peacock-Farrell and Berardi let Ryan Williams in, only for the 'keeper to save well. A poor clearance soon followed which Cooper was able to block, with a hint of handball. Improved after the break, but needs to cut out these lapses in concentration with Pontus Jansson lurking on the bench, 6 Barry Douglas: Performed his defensive duties will little fuss and remains a threat going forwards. Has settled into this team, and his role, with aplomb in these opening couple of weeks. 7 Kalvin Phillips: Began full of confidence, spraying balls out from the back, but was guilty of giving the ball away on more than one occasion in the first-half. Settled down after that, as he didn't let these early errors get the better of him, playing his now-customary role in front of the back four, show mobility and vision. 7 Pablo Hernandez: While Samu Saiz struggled to get into the game in the early stages, it was his fellow Spaniard Hernandez who looked Leeds' most dangerous threat. Did appear to tire as the second half went on, but still maintained the level of quality we've come to expect. 7 Samu Saiz: The Leeds playmaker had Semi Ajayi all over him in the first-half and while he saw plenty of the ball, had no time and space to operate. Always a threat though, with Leeds looking to get him on the ball wherever possible. Almost scored after a neat one-two with Hernandez after the break and set off on countless lung-busting runs when Leeds were transitioning into attack. 7 Mateusz Klich: Another assured display from the Pole, who was always wanting the ball and always looking to move forward. ,Almost crashed in a 30 yard effort just before the break. 7 Gjanni Alioski: The Macedonian was as full of running as ever but it didn't quite click for him, especially in the first-half. 6 Kemar Roofe: Showed the superb workrate that has been his trademark this season and was instrumental in the opening goal before netting an excellent second, beating his man on the left, cutting in and finishing in style with a curling shot into the far corner. 8 Phill Hays ratings were almost identical, he gave an 8 to BPF, Phillips and Klich and 7 Roofe, he also agreed with the 6 for Alioski saying his quality of crossing was poor. I guess we should allow him a lesser than expected game but with the quality that is on the bench at least we have options.
Very interesting because though I struggled with the link 1st half, I had Phillips as my MOM in the 2nd. Was immense for me, always tracking back when needed, was the outlet ball for every player in the team, defence, midfield and attack, anyone gets the ball under pressure he was the one on hand to receive the ball.
