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

Sunderland slipped to a narrow pre-season defeat to Leeds United in New Jersey on Friday. An early mistake let Lukas Nmecha score, and Régis Le Bris's team had plenty of the ball but failed to hit the net.

According to Sunderland Echo, this was the second outing of their US Tour, and several World Cup players returned to action for the first time this summer.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was caught high up the pitch for the opener and later denied Dan James, with some distribution proving shaky. He was rated five.

Nordi Mukiele raided down the right and delivered a couple of dangerous crosses, while defending soundly. He was rated seven.

Dan Ballard escaped one awkward moment with neat footwork and otherwise handled his duties without alarm, completing 45 minutes. He was rated six.

Luke O'Nien looked to open the game with forward passes from deep that almost came off and defended well. He was rated six.

Source: Sunderland Echo