Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings vs Leeds United with four sevens in narrow defeat | OneFootball

Sunderland lost narrowly to Leeds United in New Jersey in the second friendly of their US tour on Friday. An early error let Lukas Nmecha score from distance, and Régis Le Bris’s side controlled long spells of possession but could not level.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, there were positives, with several of their World Cup players making their first appearances of the summer.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was graded five after being caught high up the pitch for Nmecha’s strike and finding his passing difficult as Leeds sat off and forced him long. He did save well from Dan James late on.

Right-back Nordi Mukiele earned seven, attacking the flank to deliver a couple of promising crosses and defending solidly, suggesting he is in good order before the new season.

Centre-back Dan Ballard received six, escaping one early scare with neat footwork and completing a useful 45 minutes. Luke O’Nien was also marked six, having tried to open the game with progressive passes from deep, while defending soundly.

Source: Sunderland Echo