Leeds United’s spectacular pre-season kind continued towards Bundesliga aspect RB Leipzig this afternoon, because the Whites secured a 2-0 win at Elland Street.
The victory makes it three wins in a row for Daniel Farke’s aspect, after earlier wins towards Sunderland and Liverpool throughout their current tour of the USA.
New additions Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic each began the conflict in Yorkshire, while club-record man James Trafford remained absent after getting back from vacation.
The supervisor will little doubt be impressed together with his group’s show, however who had been the shining lights of the Whites’ spectacular victory over the German top-division outfit?
Who had been Leeds’ star performers towards RB Leipzig?
Simply as he did throughout Leeds’ Premier League marketing campaign final time period, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has as soon as once more been the person to step up and supply the products in entrance of purpose.
The 29-year-old netted twice through the current victory over Liverpool, however managed so as to add to his pre-season tally towards Leipzig this afternoon at Elland Street.
He managed to fit the ball residence within the first half after an unthinkable driving run down the right-hand aspect by centre-back Joe Rodon – who additionally starred through the victory.
The Welshman’s dominance on the coronary heart of Farke’s defence as soon as once more helped the Whites to maintain a clear sheet for the second time in three matches.
He and Muharemovic seem like increase a formidable partnership inside the membership’s again three, which is able to little doubt be important if the aspect are to achieve success in 2026/27.
Lukas Nmecha added the Whites’ second purpose with only a few minutes remaining, which additionally noticed him proceed his spectacular pre-season kind in entrance of purpose.
Such a strike provides to his effort towards Sunderland again in July, which might see him stay as Calvert-Lewin’s understudy all through the upcoming marketing campaign.
How Farke can save tens of millions on Paixao with Leeds star
Leeds’ new additions have proven glimpses of great high quality all through pre-season – one thing which Farke has desperately craved all through the summer season.
Nevertheless, additional arrivals are anticipated earlier than the window closes, with Marseille attacker Igor Paixao as soon as once more showing on their radar over current days.
The Brazilian, who was linked with a transfer to Elland Street final summer season, could possibly be allowed to go away the French outfit this window – with a £35m charge being touted for his signature.
Such a deal would take the Whites’ spending to upwards of £100m this summer season, nevertheless it’s a deal which the hierarchy might must look previous for the 26-year-old.
|
Leeds’ all-time most costly additions |
|
|---|---|
|
Participant |
Charge (add-ons included) |
|
James Trafford |
£45m |
|
Georginio Rutter |
£35.5m |
|
Tarik Muharemovic |
£34m |
|
Brenden Aaronson |
£28.5m |
|
Rodrigo |
£26m |
|
Dan James |
£25m |
|
Luis Sinisterra |
£21m |
|
Tyler Adams |
£20m |
Fellow attacker Wilfried Gnonto might have been at the hours of darkness at Elland Street over current months, however he’s returned to pre-season with some extent to show to boss Farke.
The Italian might have solely began as soon as all through pre-season, however he has managed to catch the attention over current video games – together with his exhibiting off the bench towards Leipzig one which deserves big credit score.
He did have to attend to be introduced onto the pitch, because the supervisor determined to deliver on academy star Callum Mills earlier than the previous Italian worldwide.
Nevertheless, when handed his likelihood with simply 9 minutes remaining, Gnonto took his alternative with each palms – showcasing why Farke should utilise him extra this time period.
The 22-year-old was relentless together with his operating after being launched, with the attacker even exhibiting his high quality inside ahead areas regardless of his decreased minutes.
Gnonto discovered himself in an outstanding place and fired a formidable ball into the 18-yard field into the trail of Nmecha, who fired residence to safe the victory for the Whites.
After such a efficiency, the teenager undoubtedly deserves the chance to thrive as soon as once more in 2026/27.
A deal for Paixao could also be on the playing cards this summer season, however such a transfer will solely make recreation time even more durable to return by for Gnonto – probably pushing him nearer to the exit door.
Such a call could be a bonkers one by Farke, because the Italian is clearly a participant who has baggage of capability – however he’s simply not been given the frequent probabilities to show it.
In consequence, the hierarchy ought to maintain off on a deal for the Brazilian, with the supervisor needing to position extra religion into the attacker to offer the products within the Premier League.
