Five things we learned from Leeds United’s Wrexham friendly as Harry Wilson excites | OneFootball

Leeds United lost 3-2 to Championship Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly in America, offering fresh pointers for Daniel Farke. Here are the key takeaways.

The match, Leeds' tour opener, saw goals from Sean Longstaff and Joel Piroe. Piroe struck an early penalty against the post. Wrexham won after Ao Tanaka lost the ball in midfield and Harry Wilson then clipped a 93rd-minute effort over. yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk highlights five themes from the outing.

With Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach near certainties in midfield, Longstaff’s display, capped by a goal, pushed him into starting contention. Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are the other natural options.

Farke began with a back three of Joe Rodon flanked by James Justin and teenager Alfie Cresswell, and Leeds looked vulnerable. After the break Ampadu partnered Rodon in a back four, with Jayden Bogle and Justin at full-back, two in midfield and a front line of Lukas Nmecha, Wilson as 10, plus Dan James and Willy Gnonto wide. The shape appeared to suit them.

Wilson threatened within two minutes of coming on, sliding Gnonto through, and later went close with a late chip. On this evidence he could hit the ground quickly at Elland Road, whether as a 10 or from the right.

Seventeen-year-old Callum Mills was the pick of the youngsters, starting behind Piroe and knitting play with composure. Fellow debutants Jayden Lienou and Cresswell coped in trying circumstances, while Rhys Chadwick, Ollie Pickles, Charlie Crew and Freddie Lane had late minutes.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a small pre-season setback and is training individually on camp, building towards team work and games. Jaka Bijol has a knee knock, Sebastiaan Bornauw a minor issue, and Gruev is recovering from a meniscus problem. With Calvert-Lewin out, Leeds remain light up front, despite Piroe’s neat backheel and Nmecha’s link play, and another striker could help.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk