Kyle Newbould on Leeds United 1-0 Sunderland: three key takeaways from New Jersey | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed their first pre-season win at the second attempt in New Jersey, beating Sunderland 1-0. Lukas Nmecha struck early from distance and Daniel Farke’s side held firm for a clean sheet, with Sunderland wasteful when chances arrived.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Farke used 21 players, changing the entire outfield during the game, with goalkeeper Alex Cairns the only man to play the full 90 minutes.

With Pascal Struijk having left for Brighton earlier this summer, the vice-captaincy remains unconfirmed beneath skipper Ethan Ampadu. Joe Rodon wore the armband at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, Ampadu began on the bench, and Callum Mills was the only academy starter as Rodon heads into a fourth season in West Yorkshire.

New £34 million centre-back Tarik Muharemovic started and delivered a highly encouraging display. The 23-year-old looked composed and dominant, standing out as arguably the best player on the pitch.

Pre-season caveats apply, but the attack looked blunt. Nmecha’s goal owed to Ao Tanaka dispossessing Le Fee in Sunderland territory and the ricochet falling his way, rather than crafted build-up. Without Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, and with Wilson still settling, Leeds were flat, with Daniel James wasteful and Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto quiet.

Defensively Leeds look solid, particularly if they can get a £40 million move for James Trafford over the line. Up front they appear light beyond the likely trio of Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin. There is still a full month before the transfer window closes.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk