Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings v Leeds United, four sevens in narrow defeat | OneFootball

Sunderland’s second outing of their US tour ended in a narrow defeat to Leeds United in New Jersey on Friday. According to Sunderland Echo, four players earned sevens in the ratings. There were positives, with several World Cup players featuring for the first time this summer.

An early error allowed Lukas Nmecha to score from range. Régis Le Bris’s side controlled long spells of possession but could not find an equaliser.

Melker Ellborg, goalkeeper, was caught high up the pitch and could not recover as the ball was struck from distance. His distribution faltered as Leeds sat off and forced him long, but he later made a strong save from Dan James. Rating: five.

Right-back Nordi Mukiele got down the flank well and delivered inviting crosses that might have produced more on another day. He defended soundly and looks in good order for the new season. Rating: seven.

Centre-back Dan Ballard wriggled out of a tricky moment early in the half with tidy footwork and handled his defensive tasks with little alarm. A solid run-out and 45 minutes banked. Rating: six.

Luke O’Nien looked to open the game with progressive passes from deep, a couple did not quite come off. He defended well and was generally steady. Rating: six.

Source: Sunderland Echo