Leeds United ratings vs Wrexham as Sean Longstaff shines and youngster impresses | OneFootball

Leeds United opened pre-season with a 3-2 defeat to Wrexham in humid Tampa, a friendly split into two contrasting halves.

Leeds Live notes that Sean Longstaff impressed before the break, while teenager Jayden Lienou showed promise.

Wrexham, already two friendlies in, struck after 36 seconds through Kieffer Moore as Leeds were caught in transition. Seven minutes later Daniel James won a penalty after Arthur Okonkwo’s foul, but Joel Piroe’s effort was tipped onto the post.

Leeds sharpened after the hydration break and on 29 minutes Longstaff cut back for Piroe, who equalised with a swivelled back-heel.

Wrexham retook the lead three minutes before half-time when Bailey Cadamarteri shrugged off 19-year-old centre-back Alfie Creswell, rounded Alex Cairns and found the corner. Longstaff levelled on 45 minutes with a composed strike from just inside the box.

A raft of changes followed, with Harry Wilson making his first Leeds appearance. Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach brought more control in possession, although clear chances were limited.

Sam Smith won it with five minutes remaining, checking to evade Joe Rodon’s recovery and firing into the corner. Wilson went close late on, but the result was secondary to fitness and tactics at this stage.

Source: Leeds Live