Leeds’ 1-0 win over Sunderland in New Jersey, three key takeaways | OneFootball

Leeds United secured their first pre-season victory at the second attempt, beating Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey. Lukas Nmecha’s early long-range strike proved decisive and the defence held firm for a clean sheet.

A total of 21 Leeds players featured and the entire outfield unit was changed, with only goalkeeper Alex Cairns completing the full 90 minutes. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Sunderland created openings but were wasteful in the final third.

With Pascal Struijk now at Brighton, Daniel Farke appeared to hint at a vice-captaincy call as Joe Rodon led the team out at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. Ampadu started on the bench and, with plenty of senior options available and Callum Mills the only academy starter, Rodon wore the armband ahead of his fourth campaign in West Yorkshire. His three-year presence in a changing squad and readiness to speak up feels the obvious fit.

New £34million signing Tarik Muharemovic, 23, delivered an encouraging debut and looked the standout player. The Bosnian showed pace to cut out an Enzo Le Fee pass and did not shirk a firm challenge on Brian Brobbey. Composed in possession, he mixed crisp balls through the lines with long diagonals, notably finding a forward run from Jayden Bogle.

With the usual pre-season caveat, Leeds’ attack lacked fluency. Nmecha’s goal followed Ao Tanaka dispossessing Le Fee and a favourable ricochet, rather than sustained build-up. Without Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, and with Wilson still settling, Leeds looked flat, while Nmecha struggled after scoring, Daniel James missed chances and Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto had limited influence.

Defensively they look solid, particularly if a £40m move for James Trafford is completed, but beyond the likely starting trio of Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin they appear light up top. There is still a full month before the transfer window closes.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk