Three things learned from Leeds’ loss to Myanmar All-Stars

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Leeds suffered a 2-1 loss to Myanmar’s All Stars in the first game of their two-game tour.

Leeds United suffered a dismal 2-1 loss to Myanmar All Stars on Wednesday afternoon as Samu Saiz’s penalty failed to prove enough in the blistering South Asia heat.

Paul Heckingbottom fielded a side that included youngsters such as Hugo Diaz, Oriol Rey, Sam Dalby and Callum Nicell, but they went a goal down before Saiz equalised. Myanmar’s XI then scored a second-half penalty to win 2-1.

Here are three things we learned from the poor defeat that is sure to only increase the pressure on manager Heckingbottom:

Edmondson is a whole lot better than Ekuban

Ryan Edmondson and Caleb Ekuban were both introduced midway through the second half, as Heckingbottom made nine changes that also saw the likes of Ronaldo Vieira, Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling enter the fray.

Judging on this outing, Edmondson boasts a whole lot more about him than Ekuban, as the 16-year-old carried a much bigger threat than summer signing Ekuban. The latter was hardly involved, while Edmondson had a goal disallowed – perhaps unfairly.

Heckingbottom is likely to reshuffle his forward pack this summer, and Edmondson must be considered above 24-year-old Ekuban in the pecking order.

Hosannah deserved his new deal

Former Crystal Palace right-back Bryce Hosannah, 19, was handed a new contract at Elland Road just days before being included in the Whites’ 22-man squad to travel to Myanmar.

He showed just what he is capable of, winning Leeds’ penalty after an excellent run from right-back and keeping possession exceptionally well. He is sure to fight the likes of Vurnon Anita, Ayling and Lewie Coyle next season for a place in Heckingbottom’s side.

Pearce must improve going forward

Left-back Tom Pearce has enjoyed his introduction into the first team towards the end of the season, and even found the back of the net against Barnsley. But on Wednesday’s showing, there is still a long way to go.

The 20-year-old was one of the nine changes in the second half, and he was given much of the ball but his crossing from the left flank was diabolical to say the least – overhitting many with the likes of Edmondson and Ekuban in the box.

It is an area of his game he must improve this summer, if he is to stand a chance of keeping his place on the left side of defence.