Leeds United suffered their first defeat of the 2022/23 Premier League marketing campaign on Saturday afternoon, with Jesse Marsch’s males succumbing to a 1-0 loss by the hands of a powerful Brighton & Hove Albion aspect.
Indeed, whereas it’s true that Graham Potter’s outfit – who’re at the moment sitting behind Manchester City on goal difference alone on the high of the desk – look to be an extremely well-drilled and environment friendly staff this season, it’s plain that the Whites had been merely not ok for big spells of the 90 minutes on the Amex Stadium.
In defence, Pascal Struijk very a lot regarded like a centre-back being performed out of place on the left – which, after all, he’s – in midfield, Brenden Aaronson struggled to make any significant influence on the sport over his 82 minutes in the midst of the park, whereas out broad Daniel James as soon as once more provided his aspect little or no going forwards.
While each Struijk and Aaronson will definitely look to place their respective performances towards the Seagulls behind them as rapidly as doable, it’s going to undoubtedly be James who’s probably the most disillusioned of all Leeds gamers together with his show on Saturday afternoon.
Indeed, over the course of his 59 minutes on the pitch, the £16.2m-rated ahead loved simply 23 touches of the ball – precisely half of the quantity that Illan Meslier had between the sticks – accomplished a mere seven of his 11 tried passes and managed no pictures on the Brighton purpose.
The £50k-per-week Wales worldwide additionally failed together with his one tried cross and one tried lengthy ball, was dribbled previous by an opponent as soon as and misplaced possession of the ball six occasions.
These returns noticed the 24-year-old earn a disappointing SofaScore match ranking of 6.9, whereas Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross awarded the winger a four in his personal participant scores, stating of James’ efficiency: “Some decent pressing, but threat to Brighton was non-existent.”
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly fascinated with a £20m transfer for the ahead over the ultimate few days of the summer season switch window. Considering simply how poor James was right this moment, coupled with how disappointing the previous Manchester United man was final season, the argument that Victor Orta merely should money in on the Welshman whereas the curiosity is there appears straightforward one to make.