Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Koch…

Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Koch underline shaky defence in Aston Villa loss

Leeds United (4-3-3)

1 Illan Meslier

Very good shots from Leon Bailey to serve up both of the Aston Villa goals, which gave Meslier little choice in the matter. Stranded for the second. Not tested a huge amount beyond the goals. 6

2 Luke Ayling

Supported play well down the right flank and delivered a superb first-time cross into Jack Harrison in the first half. However, got caught out of position a few times and left the defence exposed. 6

5 Robin Koch

Struggled in his one vs one battles. Mistimed too many challenges. Either rushed in or got there too late. Shaky. 4

6 Liam Cooper (c)

Didn't put too many feet wrong. Dealt well with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings. Did not leave him or his teammates exposed. Very solid in the latter stages with big tackles. 7

21 Pascal Struijk

Seems to have had the ability sucked out of him in the space of a week. Errors at Cardiff City fed into low confidence at Villa Park where Bailey routinely exposed him as a centre-back playing out of position. Max Wober would be a strong bet to start next week. 3

11 Jack Harrison

Some decent set-piece deliveries and one good chance which went begging from close range after a phenomenal Emi Martinez save. Better than his pre-World Cup form, but still not quite firing on all cylinders. 6

12 Tyler Adams

Still looks the model of dependability. Always in the right place at the right time with the right challenge. 7

8 Marc Roca

Need more surgical passing from the Spaniard to open up the opposition. Battles, but too often found out of position. 5

19 Rodrigo

Brimming with confidence. Keen to offer himself and have a go at goal whenever possible. Some close scrapes with Martinez. 6

7 Brenden Aaronson

Continues to struggle. Frequently found flat on his back looking for a foul or apologising for a misplaced pass. Needs time out of the firing line to reset. 5

29 Wilfried Gnonto

Quieter than usual, but still delivered one of the best efforts on goal for Leeds until he sprang into life for Patrick Bamford's goal. 7

Substitutes

22 Joel Robles

3 Junior Firpo (on for Koch 88min)

Late change. N/A

9 Patrick Bamford (on for Harrison 66min)

Will be delighted to find the net after more than 400 days without a competitive goal. Not hugely involved in open play. Won a few flick-ons and knockdowns. 6

14 Diego Llorente

16 Sonny Perkins

25 Rasmus Kristensen

30 Joe Gelhardt (on Aaronson 77min)

Part of the kitchen sink Jesse Marsch threw at it late on. N/A

39 Max Wober (on for Struijk 66min)

Steady again and did not seem as badly exposed by Bailey as Struijk was. 6

42 Sam Greenwood (on for Roca 77min)

Quiet. N/A

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