Leeds United

2 Leeds United players that impressed in 4-2 win at Wolves and why

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Leeds United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon to lift themselves out of the relegation places and up to 14th in the Premier League table.

The Whites claimed their second victory in the league against Wolves thanks to goals from Jack Harrison, Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen, and Rodrigo.

Leeds got off to a quickfire start after just six minutes when Wilfried Gnonto’s low cut-back was met by Harrison, who smashed high into the net to give the visitors into the lead.

Leeds then had to weather a first-half storm from Julen Lopetegui’s side, but Ayling put his side two up just after half-time to put Leeds in control. Kristensen appeared to put the game to bed when he slotted home a minute after coming off the bench to put Leeds 3-0 up.

However, the Whites relinquished some of that control when Jonny Otto lobbed Illan Meslier from range and former Leeds target Matheus Cunha’s deflected another home bringing Wolves back into the game.

Rodrigo came off the bench and made the game and the points secure deep into added time, securing a crucial three points for Javi Gracia‘s men.

Who impressed the Leeds boss and why? Here, we take a look at TWO players.

Rasmus Kristensen

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Rasmus Kristensen of Leeds United celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at Molineux on March 18, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The Dane has had to bide his time of late, with Ayling holding down the right-back spot.

Kristsensen not only scored and impressed by doing so, but he joined the frame at Molineux as a right wing-back, which is a position he is familiar with for the Danish national time.

He offered vital extra protection and cover for Ayling down the right side, who was on a yellow card from early on in the first-half. Kristensen offered a solution to Wolves finding spaces down the sides so easily.

The goal will have done his confidence the world of good as well, showing that perhaps a more advanced role suits him, with the ability to break into the box from wide.

The big updated Rasmus Kristensen quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?

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In what year was Rasmus Kristensen born?

Illan Meslier

LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Illan Meslier of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on March 11, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Despite his mistake on Jonny Otto’s goal, Meslier was magnificent for most of the game.

In what was his 100th Premier League appearance, the Frenchman showed his class, particularly in the first-half, as his side found themselves under the cosh.

His gloves were kept warm for most of the game. Meslier made six saves in the game and some of them were absolutely crucial, especially at 3-2.

His form remaining hot will be invaluable for the run-in, and performances like that will have gone a long way for his confidence, too, despite the mistake at 3-0.

Can you see Meslier leaving in the next 12 months?

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