Five Leeds United takeaways from 3-2 Wrexham loss, Harry Wilson spark and youngsters impress | OneFootball

Leeds United slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Championship side Wrexham in their first pre-season outing in America, but the night offered clear pointers on selection, shape and emerging talent.

Joel Piroe struck a first-half penalty against the post, then, after the interval, Harry Wilson released Willy Gnonto within two minutes of coming on, only for the winger to miss. Piroe later levelled with a neat backheel before Ao Tanaka’s midfield error gifted the decisive Wrexham goal and Wilson clipped over in the 93rd minute. yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk highlights five takeaways from the night.

Daniel Farke moved from an early back three of Joe Rodon flanked by James Justin and Alfie Cresswell to a back four, Ethan Ampadu partnering Rodon with Jayden Bogle and Justin at full back. That switch teed up a 4-2-3-1 look, Lukas Nmecha up top, Wilson at 10, with Dan James and Gnonto wide, a setup that seemed to suit Wilson.

Sean Longstaff strengthened his case to start in midfield, impressing and scoring. With Ampadu and Anton Stach looking guaranteed picks, the third slot could hinge on system choice, with Longstaff pushing ahead of options such as Tanaka and Ilia Gruev on this evidence.

Among a youthful travelling group, 17-year-old Callum Mills stood out, having started with Jayden Lienou and Cresswell. Mills fed Longstaff for a move that should have seen Gnonto score before the break, while Rhys Chadwick and Ollie Pickles had late cameos and Charlie Crew almost created an equaliser after coming on with Freddie Lane.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a small pre-season setback and is training individually, Jaka Bijol has a knee knock, and Sebastiaan Bornauw was not risked with a minor issue. Ilia Gruev is recovering from a meniscus problem, Noah Okafor has an extended break after the World Cup, and some are joining later, explaining absences for Brenden Aaronson, Gabi Gudmundsson and Tarik Muharemovic, though the latter pair were present. With only Piroe and Nmecha natural centre forwards, another striker would look a wise move.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk