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3 standout performers for Leeds against SD Eibar

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Not quite the same positive vibes are coming from this game as they were on Thursday. The first half was a write off and although I just about managed not to fall asleep, I did notice that Leeds were getting taught a lesson. So from the second half only, these are the three standout performers from the game.

Eunan O’Kane – In the first half, Liam Bridcutt was very poor and was playing more as a third centre-back (sound familiar?). However, O’Kane ran the show in the second half and was key in both starting our attacks and breaking up Eibar’s ventures forward. I believe O’Kane is one of Leeds’ more underrated players, we had an excellent record with him in the side last season and I feel he deserves to be ahead of Bridcutt at least.

Ezgjan Alioski – Leeds were so flat in the first half, that when Alioski was introduced it was instantly noticeable, not just for his hair. He has pace for days and he showed he’s got a good finish tonight, with a very well taken goal. He also attempted a bicycle kick, which tells you a lot about him really, he’s not afraid to try things that others would shy away from. I have a strong feeling he’s going to be very well liked here.

Kalvin Phillips – The midfield in the second half were key in changing the game and Kalvin was a big part of that. He’s taken a lot of stick from Leeds fans over the last season but so far in preseason, he’s been very impressive. It’s noticeable how much further forward he’s been getting so far this summer compared to last season and some of his passing today was top notch. His tackle that started off the move for Woods goal was excellent.

Overall, not exactly impressive but the second half had enough good signs to stop Leeds fans panicking. Let us know who you were impressed by in the comments!

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  • With the substitutions I think Thomas Christensen has a fairly clear picture of the future starting lineup. Some are performing much better than others, as was plain to see.

  • Eamonn P Condon says:

    Ayling’s defending rock solid and he linked up well with Alioski going forward.

  • Pants says:

    I agree, and I too thought Bridcutt was poor, though I guess your always going to struggle when your first names Liam!

  • Michael says:

    No secret in the way Eibar won this game.. yes they are a top division side but…. I REALLY do not understand why we continue to see success coming to teams who QUICKLY PRESS!! When not in possession. Why on earth do we not learn?? Huddersfield went up on the back of it.. Barcelona are brilliant.. on the back of it.. EIbar beat us .. on the back of it!! PRESS when not in posession PLEASE!

  • Dave says:

    Missed much of first half trying to find the live streaming, but largely agree with your second half assessment. Although Alioski caught the eye with his industry, it was O’Kane who impressed me most with his movement and distribution. He has been linked with a move away, but it would be a big loss if that came about. Hernandez in contrast looked a little slow, and lost possession far too often. Phillips as you say did well, but for the coming season can he find the consistency that frequently eludes him?
    Overall, definitely room for improvement – particularly defensively – which hopefully will materialise by August 6th perhaps with the help of 2 or 3 new signings.

  • JDC says:

    From what I saw today, Eunan O’Kane would have won the MOTM award hands down, he was tremendous … and not for the first time this pre-season. He did everything a box to box midfielder should do … he broke up their attacks, was composed and unflappable on the ball, was always looking for the forward pass, and rarely gave the ball away cheaply; Liam Bridcutt can’t lace his boots, imo.

    Gianni Alioski is a real handful and, given time, he will, I’m sure, turn out to be a top signing … and he will score goals.

    I have difficulty selecting the third player but, you’re correct, Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe definitely deserve a mention, as does Conor Shaughnessy … plucked from the academy, where he is a midfield player, and thrown in as a CB, where he didn’t look out of place; well done Conor.

    Can I add a negative against a player? Liam Cooper, simply is not good enough … he is so one footed, he’s an embarrassment; I couldn’t keep up with the number of times in the whole of pre-season where he’s passed back to the keeper because he’s unable to pass with his right, or, he’s had to resort to hoof-ball.

  • mrbigwheels says:

    Excellent comments.
    Think TC will be fairly on form with who needs to go… when they all return home.

  • Tim says:

    Agree with all above comments. We need three more players imo and I think time is up for Cooper, Dallas and Bridcutt and maybe Green who I though was poor and can’t play out from the back. I guess Antonssen will be on his way as well. I feel sorry for him and Monk wrecked his chances last season to get game time particularly at the end of last season. Personally I never liked Monk and very glad he has gone.

  • CardiffWhite says:

    I guessed 2 of the 3 but I would have gone with O’Kane, Alioski & Hernandez. I thought Pablo ran things in the 2nd half.

  • david kerr says:

    O,Kane is way more forward thinking than Bridcutt and will be even better with class players along side him.

  • Robski says:

    I got to the game and thought Ayling was our stand out performer. Great on left or right & super cross for Woody’s goal. Alioski works hard & looks a prospect. O’Kane did v well. On downside – Sacko & Dallas were poor. Green didn’t have a great day either imo. Don’t think Bridcutt can pass forward! Ekuban shiwed a couple of good touches.

  • Hagi says:

    I agree Antonssen never got a fair chance last season and I’m sure it affected his confidence. If only some of them shots that hit the woodwork would have gone in??
    I wouldn’t let him go just yet as a lot of overseas players struggle here first season then turn out fine players the second. He’s got height, balance and can play. He doesn’t lack pace either so I think he’s well worth persevering with.

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