Leeds United player ratings as Kristensen and Aaronson…

Leeds United player ratings as Kristensen and Aaronson dazzle in Cagliari thrashing

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

Will have been disappointed to give up his clean sheet based on how little work he had to do. There was one tame save in the first period, but Gianluca Lapadula showed too much class with his chipped finish for Cagliari's first goal. 6

25 Rasmus Kristensen

An Elland Road debut for the Denmark international and the kind of performance which underlines his cult potential. Everything threatening seemed to go through him in the first half. His link-up play with Brenden Aaronson was fantastic and he showed end product too. A thorn in the opposition side attacking. Some questions about counters in behind him. 8

5 Robin Koch

Not tested hugely, but looked like he was running through treacle when Zito Luvumbo got around him in the first half for the visitors' openly shot on target in that opening period. Was also caught out of position when the same player got in behind him for their second goal. 5

14 Diego Llorente

Did fine in defence. May have wanted more from himself on a couple of attacking corners. 6

21 Pascal Struijk

Showed more attacking thrust after the break, but never really hurt Cagliari. Solid defensively and not a lot getting in behind him. 6

12 Tyler Adams

Quietly impressive in the centre. Looked like the tenacious pest he described himself as. Battled, got his foot in and even chucked on some decent passes along the way. Promising in that double pivot. 7

8 Marc Roca

Not quite as efficient as Adams in mopping up danger, but very solid in the centre. Picked up the kind of yellow we are expecting plenty of next season based on his penchant for big tackles. 6

7 Brenden Aaronson

Another who impressed on his first time at Elland Road. Linked up so well with Kristensen and Adams down that right channel. Showed why Jesse Marsch's preference was to play him wider and Rodrigo central with Luis Sinisterra's injury. 8

19 Rodrigo

Can be guilty of overplaying inside the box, but when he gets it right, Rodrigo looks excellent. His slide-rule passes into Patrick Bamford got better as the night wore on. Anticipation to keep attacks going inside the box was effective too. Took his goal very well and forced the own goal/his second with ingenuity and willpower. 7

11 Jack Harrison

A night which will boost his confidence ahead of next weekend. A lot of the tricks and flicks we normally see from Harrison were coming off on Sunday night. Close control was typically brilliant, but this time we were seeing better end product from the winger. 7

9 Patrick Bamford

Another with a big boost in confidence on the night after his brace. Heartening to see the quantity of minutes he got through, but also his quality improved as the match wore on. Grew sharper by the minute his runs in behind and his movement in the six-yard box. 7

Substitutes

55 Harry Christy

16 Sonny Perkins

17 Helder Costa

24 Ian Poveda

43 Mateusz Klich

49 Mateo Joseph

75 Keenan Carole

82 Morten Spencer

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