Leeds United’s 23’s took on Coventry in the first development league match tonight and they impressed as they looked to implement the same style and tactics as the first-team. The likes of Laurens De Bock and Yosuke Ideguchi started the game, as the side ran out comfortable winners.
Leeds Under 23’s ratings
GK – Will Huffer – 7 – Had a very good game with his feet but was barely troubled by Coventry. Spoke well and seemed very confident in all areas of his game.
RB – Callum Nicell – 6 – I haven’t seen him play as a right-back before but was comfortable. Jordan Stevens played in front of him which meant he could sit, Stevens taking the game to Coventry. Hopefully he gets his chance in central midfield again this season.
CB – Hugo Diaz – 6 – I watched him on the same ground in pre-season and he struggled massively but he looked better tonight. Physically he has work to do, that was evident when he played for the first-team but was steady tonight.
CB – Pascal Struijk – 7 – The centre-back looked very good tonight. Calm in possession and physically imposing. Seems to be the more promising between himself and Diaz but hasn’t played as much football as his partner tonight.
LB – Laurens De Bock – 6 – Looked decent although he didn’t stand out. Solid at the back and tidy going forward but so far behind Barry Douglas and even Tom Pearce at the moment.
DM – Conor Shaughnessy – 7 – Will be part of the squad tomorrow as Leeds host Bolton in the League Cup and looked good tonight given his circumstances. Tidy on the ball most of the time, a few stray passes as is to be expected. Bielsa thinks highly of the Irish youngster.
CM – Oriol Rey – 7 – Played in the role that Klich has been playing for the first-team. Linked the back-line to the forwards and did it very well. So good with the ball at his feet.
CAM – Yosuke Ideguchi – 6 – Didn’t do much but came up with one moment, picking Sam Dalby out with a beautiful pass for the second goal.
Jordan Stevens – 8 – #T72MOTM – Didn’t play the full game but don’t be surprised if that’s because he will be in the squad for the game against Bolton tomorrow night. Possibly could have had a couple of goals but caused mayhem down the right and impressed with his footwork.
Jack Clarke – 7 – The ball sticks to his feet when he runs and hopefully he continues this progression. So good at going inside or out and has so much confidence. Another good performance, a constant threat to Coventry.
Sam Dalby – 8 – Took both goals very well and is showing why he’s so highly rated by the coaching staff at the club. Scored in pre-season at York City and looks set to be the main striker for the 23’s this season with Ryan Edmondson knocking on the first-team door.
⚽ | As the second half gets underway, we take a look at Sam Dalby's looping header in the closing minutes of the first 45… pic.twitter.com/zVFk8Mgf4w
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 13, 2018
Subs
Bobby Kamwa – 6
Oliver Sarkic – 6