Kyle Newbould: Leeds United’s 1-0 Sunderland win, three key takeaways | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed their first pre-season win at the second attempt, beating Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey. Lukas Nmecha scored from long range early and a reshaped side saw it out.

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

Joe Rodon captained Leeds with vice-captaincy still unconfirmed following Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton. Daniel Farke appeared to hint at his choice by sending Rodon out as skipper, while club captain Ethan Ampadu started on the bench. The line-up was otherwise strong, with Callum Mills the only academy starter.

New £34m centre-back Tarik Muharemovic debuted and looked the standout performer. The Bosnian showed recovery pace to cut out an Enzo Le Fee pass, relished contact against Brian Brobbey and used the ball with real range, including a pinpoint pass to the forward-running Jayden Bogle. All caveats of pre-season apply, but it was hugely encouraging.

Leeds’ attack was blunt. Nmecha’s winner followed Ao Tanaka dispossessing Le Fee and a ricochet falling his way, rather than crafted build-up. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor out and Wilson still settling, Nmecha was clumsy after scoring, Daniel James spurned good moments and Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto had little influence.

Defensively they look solid, which could be strengthened further if a £40m deal for James Trafford is completed. Beyond the likely front three of Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, depth up top appears light. There is still one month left of the window.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk