Leeds United three-way tie, loan low and referee woes as 2025/26 ratings revealed | OneFootball

Leeds United’s Premier League return brought a solid opening, and the 2025/26 player ratings chart consistent performers, ending in a three-way tie topped on decimals by the club’s award winner.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, ratings are subjective but enduringly popular, context is vital, and anything close to seven out of 10 across a season is highly impressive.

The averages also highlight the importance of summer 2025 recruitment, with several arrivals settling quickly in a new country and league.

Facundo Buonanotte rated four after a January loan that looked sensible yet never landed, including poor cameos and a dreadful display against Birmingham.

Referees averaged five, ranging from Darren England at nine out of 10 versus Chelsea to Jarred Gillett at minus one at Spurs, with VAR not lifting standards.

Sam Byram averaged five, with two Premier League and two FA Cup cameos too brief to rate, and a single Carabao Cup start earning his only mark.

Joel Piroe finished on five point seven, short of gametime and goals, his one-goal season a first and likely never to recur.

Dan James averaged five point eight after an injury-hit campaign, playing 629 minutes with no goals or assists.

Jack Harrison posted five point nine, used largely from the bench and sometimes deeper before heading to Fiorentina on loan in January.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk