Five Leeds United takeaways from Wrexham friendly as youngsters impress and Harry Wilson threatens | OneFootball

Leeds United lost 3-2 to Championship side Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly in America. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, five clear takeaways emerged from the defeat.

Daniel Farke started with a back three of Joe Rodon between James Justin and youngster Alfie Cresswell, which looked vulnerable. After the break Leeds improved as Ethan Ampadu dropped in to partner Rodon in a back four, with Jayden Bogle and Justin as full backs, two midfielders ahead and Lukas Nmecha up front, Harry Wilson as a no 10, with Dan James and Willy Gnonto wide. The contest was ultimately settled after Ao Tanaka lost the ball in midfield.

Wilson made an instant impression on debut, carving out a chance for Gnonto within two minutes of coming on and later clipping just over in the 93rd minute. A free signing of clear quality, he looks suited to the central role, though he could also feature from the right.

Sean Longstaff strengthened his claim to start alongside captain Ampadu and Anton Stach. The former Newcastle midfielder played well and scored, underlining that he is more than bench cover, with Tanaka and Ilia Gruev the other natural options.

Teenager Callum Mills led a promising crop of youngsters. Starting behind Joel Piroe, the 17-year-old picked clever passes and slipped a fine ball that should have brought a Gnonto goal before the interval, while Jayden Lienou and Cresswell also started and others featured late on.

Injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol were notable, with Sebastiaan Bornauw carrying a minor issue and Gruev sidelined from a meniscus problem. With Noah Okafor on an extended break and some World Cup players joining later, Leeds looked light up front, Piroe hitting a penalty against a post but scoring with a neat backheel, and Nmecha linking play without threatening. Another striker would look a wise move.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk