Longstaff, Muharemovic, Tanaka among Leeds United’s pre-season tour winners and losers | OneFootball

Leeds United ended their US tour with a 4-2 win over Liverpool. Pre-season brings pointers, not verdicts, but clear winners and losers emerged.

According to Leeds Live, Sean Longstaff was arguably the standout, scoring against Wrexham and Liverpool. His passing and movement stood out. He did not start a Premier League game after November due to a calf issue and a tactical tweak, but sustained form could change that.

New arrivals Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson settled quickly. Wilson looked lively as a number 10. Muharemovic shone against Sunderland, was less assured versus Liverpool, then improved after the break, encouraging signs of adaptation.

Sebastiaan Bornauw progressed well, strongest in the central centre-back role. He made key blocks and assisted Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second against Liverpool.

Academy pair Callum Mills and Jayden Lienou impressed. Mills, 17, started two games. Lienou’s overlaps stood out and his late Liverpool cameo hinted at future hopes, while Alfie Cresswell banked lessons.

Jaka Bijol’s knee complaint meant no minutes. With three weeks to build fitness and a return to training expected soon, he must impress in the three friendlies to start the opener.

Gabriel Gudmundsson arrived late after a three-week post World Cup break and looked rusty. Against Liverpool he took a heavy early fall, seemed hampered by his hamstring and went off on 36 minutes.

Ao Tanaka showed flashes but more errors, including the giveaway for Wrexham’s winner after his late link-up. Performances did not sharpen, with erratic retention leaving gaps, and only assurance and discipline will unlock his promise.

Source: Leeds Live

Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.