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3 standout performers for Leeds against Bolton

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What a way to start the new season. A 3-2 victory over Bolton at the Macron Stadium gave Thomas Christiansen a victory in his first competitive game in charge of Leeds. I though we were very solid all over the park and looked fluid going forward. These are the three players that stood out to us –

Kalvin Phillips – Kalvin celebrated his new contract with a top performance today. He was all over the park and ran the show. His late runs in the box were a feature of his play and his two goals, which he took very well, were well deserving. He also loves a tackle which obviously we all love at Leeds. He received a lot of stick last year but if he carries on this season the way he’s started he’ll certainly shut those people up.

Matthew Pennington – Before he went off injured I was really impressed with Pennington. He was solid at the back and apart from their goal which was poor all round he rarely looked troubled. On the ball he was calm and assured, he looked to bring it out from the back and finished the game with 96% passing accuracy. Pennington made a huge 21 clearances which was more than any other player in the Championship this weekend. I just hope his injury is nothing serious because he’s going to be a key player for us this year.

Luke Ayling – I thought Ayling was outstanding today both from a defensive and offensive point of view. He played his absolute heart out and was almost everywhere for us. How on earth we picked him up for £750k I’ll never know, I honestly believe he’s one of the best right-back’s in the league. On one of his usual runs forward he must’ve turned the Bolton defence three or four times and all you wanted him to do was stick it in the back of the net. He seems to have picked up from where he left off last year and it’s great to see.

Special mention to Vurnon Anita also. He came on at a difficult time after Berardi’s injury but was very calm and assured on the ball. You could see his class and he’s going to be key for us this season.

Early days and I know we can’t get over-excited already but we’re going up, right lads?

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  • Tim says:

    The juggernaut is fired up and rolling down the highway! The supporters, team and club are united and it will be difficult to stop us.

  • …TWO negatives:

    New keeper can’t command his box and quite honestly is not a patch on Green on first showing. This led to panic at the back of an already jittery back line.

    Sacko wasn’t even at the start of the races let alone on the pitch – an absolute waste of space and clearly not interested in playing FOR THE TEAM!

    Two bad choices
    Gerry Cwmbran

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