Jong Ajax 3-1 Leeds U23s: Player Ratings

Leeds United U23s were deservedly beaten 3-1 but gained valuable experience against Jong Ajax in Amsterdam.

Senior players including Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips starred in the first half as defensive errors allowed the hosts to take a two-goal lead through De Waal and Rasmussen.

The first team players were replaced by U23s in the second period, but despite battling bravely they went 3-0 down thanks to a goal from Hlynsson.

Max Dean did well to win a penalty, which he tucked away for a consolation goal in the dying moments.

Here are the player ratings:

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Dani Van Den Heuvel - 6.5

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

Ball went through his legs for the opening goal but not much he could have done for the other two. Made some good stops in the first half, but only before the offside flag was risen. Got a touch on the ball to force a second half effort onto the crossbar after the interval and made other decent saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

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Liam Cooper (off 46’) - 7.5

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Highlighted the U23s’ need to sign a new left-back by slotting into that position upon his return to action for Leeds. Generally defended well and found a series of excellent passes while getting forward. Was unfortunate to slip in the build-up to Ajax’s opening goal, but otherwise the best player for Leeds in the opening 45 minutes.

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Nohan Kenneh - 6

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Started the game well and performed an excellent block in the area to deny Ajax an early lead. A lapse in concentration opened the door for the hosts to take the lead, though, and he looked unconvincing for the rest of the first half. Had a good finish from a corner disallowed in the second, but continued his mixed defensive performance.

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Kris Moore - 6.5

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The more comfortable of Leeds’ centre-backs. Put his body on the line to deny Ajax an easy tap-in just before their second goal. Strong in the air but a few lapses in communication meant his passing wasn’t at its best.

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Cody Drameh - 7

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Provided width well and got forward on the overlap even when Leeds were struggling to get the ball up the pitch. Looked frustrated at times with the lack of service from his teammates. Defended well too, but his passing wasn’t up to scratch.

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Adam Forshaw (off 46’) - 6.5

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Not as comfortable as he was in previous appearances for the U23s this preseason. Struggled at times with Ajax’s pressing and at one point lost the ball outside his own area, but fortunately nothing came of it. Generally passed the ball around nicely sitting in the holding midfield position, but left space behind him when venturing forward.

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Ian Poveda - 6.5

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Another lively display from Poveda, who looked eager to get on the ball out wide and centrally. Had a golden opportunity early in the second half when he took two defenders out of the game in the area, but he leaned back and his shot subsequently flew over the bar. Otherwise showed composure on the ball and pressed well.

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Kalvin Phillips (off 46’) - 6

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

A good enough first run-out for Phillips since his exploits with England over the summer. Battled well physically but will need some time before he gets the technical side of his game up and running properly. Interestingly played in a more advanced role while Forshaw sat deeper.

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Sam Greenwood - 6.5

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Struggled to get involved, but won the ball on a couple of occasions in the middle of the park. Found Summerville with a terrific through ball in the second half. Got more involved overall after the interval and linked up play nicely.

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Helder Costa (off 46’) - 6

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Struggled to win physical battles. Had one or two half chances but couldn’t make anything work in a crowded area. Another frustrating game for him.

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Tyler Roberts (off 46’) - 6

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Starved of chances while leading the line. Dropped deeper at times to get involved in the build-up but generally saw very little of him in the first half.

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Liam McCarron (on 46’) - 6.5

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Saw a decent amount of the ball down the left side but didn’t have a meaningful impact on the match.

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Jack Jenkins (on 46’) - 6.5

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

His loss of possession after getting forward led to Ajax’s third goal. Otherwise decent on the ball but no outstanding moments.

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Charlie Allen (on 46’) - 6

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Didn’t see much of him in this cameo appearance. Got up and down the pitch and contributed with one or two defensive actions.

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Crysencio Summerville (on 46’) - 8 (MOTM)

Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images

Saw plenty of the ball and caused Ajax a headache when cutting inside. Received a brilliant ball from Greenwood but held onto the ball for too long as he tried to beat the keeper and was forced too wide to get a meaningful shot away. Tested the keeper on multiple occasions and pressed very effectively in the final third.

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Max Dean (on 46’) - 7

Was feeding on scraps for much of the half regarding actual opportunities. Got wide to get on the ball and took advantage of mistakes from Ajax defenders but his best effort prior to the consolation was deflected wide for a corner. Did brilliantly to weave into the area and win the penalty, which he tucked away with confidence. Closed down defenders well across the second half.