Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings as Leeds edge friendly in New Jersey | OneFootball

Sunderland slipped to a narrow pre-season defeat to Premier League rivals Leeds United in New Jersey on Friday, the second fixture of their US tour. An early mistake let Lukas Nmecha score from range, and despite lengthy spells of possession Régis Le Bris’s side could not find an equaliser. Positives came with several World Cup players returning to action.

Sunderland Echo noted that a number of those internationals featured for the first time this summer. Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was caught high up the pitch for the opener and later had to contend with Leeds sitting off, which tested his distribution, though he produced a strong late save from Dan James.

Ellborg was rated five.

Right-back Nordi Mukiele attacked well down the flank, supplying a couple of teasing crosses, and defended soundly. He earned a seven.

Centre-back Dan Ballard negotiated a tricky early moment with neat footwork and completed his defensive work with little alarm, banking 45 minutes. He received a six.

Partner Luke O’Nien looked to open the game with forward passes from deep, with one or two nearly coming off, and defended well. He was given a six.

Source: Sunderland Echo