Leeds United are into their first, extended international break of the season after two postponements and then the expected fortnight off until the visit of Aston Villa. With two wins, two draws and two losses, the Whites are 11th in the league table having played one game less than some of their rivals.
Despite the thrashing at Brentford last time out, United have generally started the season with the right tone. Here, we pick through how the players have played their own parts in the start to the campaign.
We have looked over the ratings dished out in the six league matches up to now and left out those with less than two hours of pitch time to their name, in order to be fair to them. Alphabetically, there’s only one place to start.
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Brenden Aaronson
A number of the new signings are competing to be considered the best new face so far, with the American right at the front of the queue. Aaronson has slotted seamlessly into Jesse Marsch’s system and only underlined his history under his compatriot.
Barnstorming attacking displays against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea set the standard for what a forward can do in this set-up. Quieter against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford to keep his mark on the ground. 8
Tyler Adams
Another of the new faces to have impressed. Adams has been ferocious in the middle of the park, harassing opponents, winning the ball back, showing a tireless engine and immense anticipation to be in the right place at the right time.
The kind of player Elland Road loves. Has barely put a foot wrong with his Chelsea outing the highlight in a series of above-average performances. 8
Patrick Bamford
Not a massive amount of time on the pitch for obvious reasons. Very good on the opening day against Wolves, but sizeable run-outs against Southampton and Brentford were blighted by injury and rust. 6
Joe Gelhardt
Only one start, but five appearances sneak him above the two-hour threshold. Not a lot of time to show what he can do, but okay against Everton before being crowded out at Brentford. 5
Jack Harrison
Statistics have been excellent and put him among the best creators in the Premier League. However, Harrison has carried many of the frustrating hallmarks we have seen in his previous seasons through the opening six matches.
The work rate, pace, first touch and dribbling has been plain to see, but material impact on the matches has not always been there. Fantastic, like everyone, against Chelsea, but virtually non-existent in the last three games, as he was doubled up on by defenders, dragging his mark down. 6
Mateusz Klich
Yet to start, but has come off the bench in all six matches with some telling impact at times. The Wolves and Brighton matches stand out in particular as match-turning cameos. Would have surely started by now if it were not for Aaronson’s electric start. 7
Robin Koch
Marsch’s pick for the player of the season so far, but he may be a victim of playing a lower-profile role in these ratings. Outstanding against Chelsea and pretty steady otherwise until he looked wobbly, like others, at Brentford.
It’s been an excellent start overall for the German, who must have wondered what else he has to do to get a recall to the national team. 7
Rasmus Kristensen
It’s been a tricky start to life for the Dane at Elland Road. As he has admitted himself, the transition has been challenging for Kristensen, who has been caught out of position or skinned by wingers too readily at points.
The Southampton and Brighton matches stand out as especially difficult afternoons for the former Red Bull Salzburg right-back. Luke Ayling shone an even harsher spotlight on him in 20 minutes from the bench at Brentford. 5
Diego Llorente
To come out of a day like Brentford away and still post a five out of 10 for the season so far shows how steady the Spain international had been up until the last few games. Very good at Southampton before raising his game against Chelsea, but warning signs of what was to come in Hounslow were there against Brighton and Everton. 5
Illan Meslier
The French goalkeeper continues to suggest this might well be the breakthrough campaign which catches eyes around Europe’s top table. A series of brilliant saves impressed against Chelsea, Brighton and Everton. 8
Marc Roca
Alongside Aaronson and Adams as one of the best buys of the summer. While the latter has been crunching the opposition in the tackle, Roca has brought the penetrative passing which gets United down the field.
In the Spaniard’s defence, he’s loved a tackle too, but it’s technical attributes which have caught the eye most. Any fears about his robustness or ability to pick up the pace of the league have been put to rest. 8
Rodrigo
Seems a low mark for someone who had been among the league’s highest scorers before he dislocated his shoulder, but his brilliance against Southampton and Chelsea was undone by meek outings versus Brighton and Everton. The foundations are there for his best season in white once he returns from injury. 7
Luis Sinisterra
Only had three hours of pitch time, but it’s hard to ignore the quality he has shown. The goals have been superbly taken and his ratings so far may have been higher if the team had won any of those last three matches. 8
Pascal Struijk
Understandably up and down playing in a position he is still adapting to. Highs against Chelsea and Everton have been undone by very tough afternoons against Wolves and, especially, Brighton.
Lack of pace and attacking adventure predictably limits his abilities in the modern game playing in a wider position. 6
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