Leeds Player Ratings: Rotherham 1- 2 Leeds United

Leeds United came from behind to get a good victory over Rotherham United away from home at the New York Stadium. Not exactly a match to remember, but two goals from Mateusz Klich was enough for Leeds to grab all three points.

Here’s how I thought the players did. As usual, you can tell me how wrong I am in the comments or on Twitter at @ThruItAllLUFC.

STARTING XI

KIKO CASILLA

Made a really, really good save to keep Rotherham at only one goal in the second half, and it was refreshing to see a keeper come off of his line and take command of the box on corner kicks. Started a few attacks with quick throws out, and the team will have to adjust to his sense of urgency, but that’s a good problem to have. 7

LUKE AYLING

Had a decent time going forward, mainly as he won free kicks in the first half, although almost nothing came from them. He fluffed a shot late on in the match, but it was on his weaker foot and probably wasn’t that great of a chance. 6

KALVIN PHILLIPS

Had a decent game in central defence, as he looks a little more comfortable in that role as the games have wore on, but it will be good to get him back in central midfield. Got his head to a number of dangerous balls and looked to try and get forward and play direct passes over the top. 7

LIAM COOPER

Was solid in defence. In truth, with Rotherham not bothering to attack very often, didn’t have a lot to do, especially in the second half, but did it well enough that the only goal scored by Rotherham was from a remarkable 20 yard screamer. 7

GJANNI ALIOSKI

Still might be better as a left wingback than as a left winger, as he continued to get forward in attacking postions while still tracking back. Probably should have scored from the top of the box with the keeper totally out of position, and perhaps could have been crisper in his dead ball deliveries. A decent performance. 6

ADAM FORSHAW

Another match in which Forshaw looked a tad outclassed. With how compact and set up in midfield Rotherham was, it was always going to be tough for the Leeds central midfield, and Forshaw had a lot of trouble in the first half picking out his passes. Was better in the second half the more Rotherham collapsed back to try and preserve the win. 5.5

JACK CLARKE

A game to forget for Clarke. Looked just out of step in the first half, unable to really connect his passes on the wing and since he’s now a known quantity, he’s not being allowed the chance to cut in as he was earlier in the season. Not the worst you’ll see a winger play in a Leeds shirt this season, but off of his normally high standards. 5

MATEUSZ KLICH

Was anonymous in the first half, but after bundling home the first goal and popping up in the box to score a second will have to get a decent score. Perhaps all he needed was a garbage goal to get him started again, as he seemed to grow into the game and looked better after the goal early in the second half. If Leeds are to continue with their chance at promotion, he’ll need to be the Klich of August and September that got a recall to the Poland squad. 7

PABLO HERNANDEZ

Looked better on the wing in the second half, as Rotherham was compact and dense in the midfield and looked to be forcing the play out to the wings. Had a much harder time in the first half picking out chances and was largely ineffective. Was taken off in stoppage time after it appeared he had tweaked something chasing down a ball in the Rotherham half. Perhaps it’ll be nothing, at least hopefully so. 6

JACK HARRISON

Was the most dangerous Leeds attacker in the first half, and that’s not something you’d normally expect to write. Tested the keeper late in the first half, and while it wasn’t the best looking shot you’ll ever see, it at least was something. Set up the second goal with a good pass into the box that eventually fell for Klich to score. One of his better performances. 7

KEMAR ROOFE

Probably should have scored from an open header in the second half and could done better with Phillips’ direct ball over the top. Not his best game, although he did work hard and got into good positions, even if he wasn’t able to get a good shot on net. 6

SUBSTITUTES

TYLER ROBERTS (45’)

Came on at half time for Clarke. Made an immediate impact, driving forward and making life a lot more stressful for the Rotherham central defenders. Along with Hernandez’s switch to the wing, opened up the game and was a difference maker, even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet. 7

JAMIE SHACKLETON

Late sub, barely saw any of the pitch, much less the ball. N/A

LEIF DAVIS

Was barely on the pitch, came on during stoppage time. N/A