Leeds United have produced a mixed start to the Premier League season, which reflects in who shines in HITC Sport’s Power Rankings topped by Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
Jesse Marsch kicked off his first full term in charge at Elland Road in ideal fashion by edging Wolverhampton Wanderers. The American clinched the West Yorkshire natives’ top-flight survival on the final day in May, and showed why they merited a place by toppling Chelsea.
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The Whites stormed to a 3-0 win over the Blues in August as everything clicked against the west Londoners. But Leeds have only managed to take one point over their following three games, having drawn with Everton around losing at Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
The Premier League postponing Leeds’ fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United gave the Whites an extended international break. They will now host Aston Villa on October 2 without stepping onto a pitch for 29 days, with some eager to recapture form…
Brenden Aaronson tops Power Rankings as Leeds’ star player since his summer switch
Aaronson tops the Power Rankings at Elland Road so far this term having shone as Leeds’ main star since his summer switch to the Premier League. Marsch paid RB Salzburg £24.5m to sign the midfielder in May, with the American instantly proving to be a valuable addition.
The 21-year-old struck his maiden Whites goal in their 3-0 win over Chelsea, before laying on a first assist to draw 1-1 with Everton. Aaronson has also offered Marsch versatility on the wing or in the centre with his superb work rate and ability on the ball to set the tone.
Tyler Adams ensuring Kalvin Phillips sale does not hider Elland Road efforts
Tyler Adams had giant shoes to fill at Elland Road, but the £20m arrival from RB Leipzig has ensured Leeds did not suffer a huge drop-off in the engine room after selling Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City. The Whites accepted a £45m offer for their academy product this July.
Marsch will have loved seeing how easily Adams settled into his line-up and the defensive ability he displayed early on. The American has constantly harried opponents with a dream work rate, rarely put a foot wrong and he is one of their safest pairs of boots in possession.
Illan Meslier’s record does not reflect his influence in matches this season
Illan Meslier does not have a great record on paper over the opening weeks of the Premier League term. But the 22-year-old features highly in Leeds’ Power Rankings as he has made an array of important stops, despite only recording one clean sheet to 10 goals conceded.
Marc Roca has more in store for Leeds to climb the Whites’ Power Rankings
Marc Roca could climb the Power Rankings at Leeds by the next international break for the World Cup in Qatar. The £10m summer signing from Bayern Munich has helped bring out the best of Aaronson and Adams and has shown solid skills on the ball and defensive work.
Rodrigo will hope to get back amongst the goals following a shoulder injury
Rodrigo will hope to get back amongst the goals soon after the 31-year-old returns from a dislocated shoulder. The 31-year-old is Leeds’ top-scorer so far this season with four goals and an assist in five appearances, hitting twice as many as any other United star this term.
But Rodrigo has not always been a faultless presence on the pitch, with lacklustre games against Brighton and Everton. He started the season strongly with his movement and skill to press from the top of the pitch, yet he would fail to maintain those levels before the injury.
Luis Sinisterra will rue the timing of Leeds’ unplanned, prolonged break
Luis Sinisterra will rue the timing of Leeds’ unplanned, prolonged break between Premier League games. The £21m summer signing off Feyenoord finally made his first start against Everton and marked the occasion by scoring, and he hit the net on start No.2 at Brentford.
He had only been able to play a bit-part role in the Whites’ encounters with Southampton, Chelsea and Brighton after sustaining a hamstring injury in pre-season. But he will clearly be an important presence at Elland Road, and should now be able to last the full 90 minutes.
Jack Harrison’s recent drop-off sees the winger fall down Power Rankings at Leeds
Jack Harrison suffered a drop-off in form over recent weeks that sees the winger fall down the Power Rankings at Leeds. He had started the season on fire with an assist in each of his first three appearances, while scoring against Chelsea. But he has not added to either tally.
Marsch even saw enough from Harrison through the first-half of the Whites’ 5-2 defeat at Brentford to haul the 25-year-old off at the break. The Leeds boss will hope to see Harrison bounce back after the international break and find a way to make his impact in games last.
Robin Koch has offered Leeds a leader at the back in Liam Cooper’s absence
Robin Koch has offered Leeds a leader at the back in the absence of Liam Cooper due to his calf injury. The German has also been a near-faultless performer over his side’s opening six fixtures, particularly with a vital role in the win over Chelsea to silence Raheem Sterling.
Jesse Marsch must be pleased with Pascal Struijk playing out of position
Marsch must be pleased with what Pascal Struijk has provided so far this season whilst the 23-year-old has played out of position. Leeds have needed the centre-half to play as a left-back with Junior Firpo injured, and Struijk has been solid for most but with a few missteps.
Mateusz Klich is proving he still has value at Leeds from the bench
Leeds were open to Mateusz Klich leaving Elland Road this summer, per The Athletic, while Polish reporter Lukasz Wisniowski told Meczyki that the midfielder was actively looking for a new club after Marsch made it clear he would not be a regular starter under him this term.
Yet Klich ultimately stayed in West Yorkshire and is proving that he still has value from the bench for Marsch. The 32-year-old has made each of his six appearances as a substitute so far, helped see out the win over Wolves and made an impact against Brighton and Everton.
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