Graham Smyth rates Leeds United after Sunderland win, Muharemovic 'impressive' eight out of 10, forwards get sixes | OneFootball

Leeds United secured their first pre-season win, beating Sunderland 1-0, as Lukas Nmecha scored and Tarik Muharemovic caught the eye.

yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk’s player ratings made Muharemovic the top performer on eight out of 10.

The opener came 25 minutes in, Nmecha exploiting poor positioning by goalkeeper Melker Ellborg to squeeze in from 40 yards. Sunderland’s best first-half chance fell to Brian Brobbey, who scuffed Reinildo’s cross.

Leeds made six changes at the break, Sunderland rotated most of their side around the hour. Daniel James and Anton Stach had half-chances before the Whites closed out a clean sheet.

Goalkeeper Alex Cairns received six, alert though largely untested, with a late routine save and mixed long distribution.

Joe Rodon scored seven, robust in the air, advanced to support attacks, and was wiped out by Brobbey on a rare break.

Sebastiaan Bornauw also earned seven, not fully comfortable on the ball early but solid, and used his body well to snuff danger.

Muharemovic was given eight, composed in possession, read play smartly and looked in control throughout an impressive showing.

Jayden Bogle took seven, energetic down the right and delivered a couple of decent first-half crosses, always available. Sean Longstaff was marked six, busy but less influential than against Wrexham, and frustrated with the referee.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk