YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

1. Illan Meslier: 6/10

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

2. Jayden Bogle: 8/10

Brought a lot to the game going up and down his flank. Was physical when he needed to be. Drove the Whites forward down the right. | Getty Images

 

3. Joe Rodon: 7/10

A couple of lovely passes down the right, some solid defending. Windass got in behind him once in the first half. | Getty Images

 

4. Ethan Ampadu: 7/10

It wasn’t perfect as he resumed his partnership with Rodon – gave it away once or twice – but he made some big interventions, tackles and headers. |

 

5. Sam Byram: 7/10

Won tackles and headers. Going forward it was a mixed bag. Involved in a couple of nice moves. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

6. Ao Tanaka: 8/10

Made a big block to prevent a first half goal, quietly effective in the first half. A little wobbly at the start of the second but came on strong and finished with a flourish, scoring a deft flick.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Dribbled the ball well to go past players when it was on, passed it well for the most part.

7. Joe Rothwell: 7/10

Dribbled the ball well to go past players when it was on, passed it well for the most part.

 

8. Brenden Aaronson: 7/10

So close to an eight but dallied on the ball a couple of times too many. Showed he can look after possession well, linked up and made clever runs. Lots of energy.

 

9. Dan James: 8/10

Produced some great crosses, tested Beadle with three efforts. Got at his markers, kept them guessing with his variety.

 

10. Manor Solomon: 8/10

In the right place to score his goal, which was well taken and composed. Gave the Owls some issues when he ran with it and made some nice passes. Tracked back.

 

11. Joel Piroe: 6/10

Linked up with the midfield nicely on occasions. Chances were few and far between. Saw one shot from a great position deflected over. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

12. Ilia Gruev (sub): 7/10

Added energy and bite. Kept things calm in possession. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Took his goal really well and almost had another but Tanaka wanted to make sure with his flick.

13. Largie Ramazani (sub): 8/10

Took his goal really well and almost had another but Tanaka wanted to make sure with his flick.

 

 

YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth offers his verdict on the Leeds United players’ performances at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, January 19.

 

The Whites ensured it was derby day delight for the home supporters at Elland Road as Leeds returned to the top of the Championship with a professional victory over Danny Rohl’s Wednesday.

 

It finished 3-0 with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka on the day. Here are the ratings.

 

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

1. Illan Meslier: 6/10

Flapped at a first half cross, even if it was handled en route to him, but made a good stop from Gassama. Little else to do.

 

2. Jayden Bogle: 8/10

Brought a lot to the game going up and down his flank. Was physical when he needed to be. Drove the Whites forward down the right. |

 

3. Joe Rodon: 7/10

A couple of lovely passes down the right, some solid defending. Windass got in behind him once in the first half.

 

4. Ethan Ampadu: 7/10

It wasn’t perfect as he resumed his partnership with Rodon – gave it away once or twice – but he made some big interventions, tackles and headers. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

5. Sam Byram: 7/10

Won tackles and headers. Going forward it was a mixed bag. Involved in a couple of nice moves. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire

 

6. Ao Tanaka: 8/10

Made a big block to prevent a first half goal, quietly effective in the first half. A little wobbly at the start of the second but came on strong and finished with a flourish, scoring a deft flick.

 

Mateo Joseph says he is aware he needs to be more prolific but is refusing to place undue pressure on himself amid his goal frustrations.

 

The Leeds United striker has not scored since mid-October and failed to find the net against League Two Harrogate Town in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie, having played the full 90 minutes. The 21-year-old has featured in every Championship match this season but has only started three league fixtures since the start of November.

 

More focus is being placed on Joseph amid Patrick Bamford’s hamstring injury, which will sideline him until the end of January. And while Joe Gelhardt had not played since October 1, his loan to Hull City means Daniel Farke has one less striker to turn to. Joel Piroe might be set to return this weekend having sat out the FA Cup clash with a minor concern, but his absence on Saturday highlighted the onus that is on Joseph when other fellow attackers are not available.

 

The player himself is aware of his tally of just two goals this season but believes more will soon come. “I want more goals, definitely,” Joseph told SportsBoom. “But at the same time I don’t have to be too hard on myself, because even when you watch teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, even the best strikers in the world miss good chances.

 

“Every situation is different, but I’m just going to keep going because the goals have always come. The goals will come, for sure, with the work that I do. I’m confident of that. I’m going to keep the head relaxed and do my thing.”

 

Joseph has only started 11 Championship games this season but he has underlined that he is enjoying the campaign with Leeds top of the table. However, he admitted he still has growth to fill.

 

Joseph added: “I’m really enjoying the season, playing at a club like Leeds is great. I’m enjoying every moment, but I believe I can still improve a lot of things. But I’m just enjoying the process and enjoying the team’s form, we are in a good moment and just need to keep going.”

 

Joseph hailed manager Farke’s training methods and his demand for high levels, which he believes is producing its fruit. “He’s [Farke] really good. In training he’s always focused on the attention to detail,” the attacker explained.

• Leeds United poised to hijack Wolves move for 42-goal PL striker

Leeds United have registered their interest in signing Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho, sources have told Football Insider.

The ex-Man City and Leicester star, 28, is available for a late-January loan move after failing to establish himself in the starting XI at the Spanish club.

Leeds have shortlisted Iheanacho and made contact over a deal, although they face strong competition from clubs in England and across Europe’s top leagues.

He only left Leicester to join Sevilla on a free transfer in the summer following their promotion but could already be set for a return to English football.

The striker has made 11 appearances across all competitions this term, scoring three goals.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Seven of those outings have come as part of the starting line-up as Iheanacho struggles for regular game time in his first spell away from English football.

Iheanacho is under contract with Sevilla until June 2026, with the Spanish club holding the option to extend his deal an extra 12 months.

Leeds join Wolves and Ipswich in Iheanacho race

He hit five goals in 23 Championship games with Leicester last term as Enzo Maresca’s side were promoted to the Premier League as champions.

That is a feat Daniel Farke’s Leeds side are trying to repeat this season and the Whites sit top of the table with 53 points after 26 games.

The Yorkshire giants currently have Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford to call on up front but are eyeing a move for additional firepower before the transfer window shuts on 3 February.

Piroe is the club’s top scorer with 10 goals in 27 outings this term.

 

 

Leeds United youngster Luca Thomas has completed a loan move to National League outfit Halifax Town for the remainder of the season.

 

The attacker spent most of the first half of the campaign out on loan at York City, also in the fifth tier, after having had an initial short-term loan spell extended until January. During his time at the high-flying Minstermen, whom he first joined in October, he netted twice in 10 appearances.

 

Prior to his loan to York, he had scored six goals in five Premier League 2 matches and then marked his debut for his loan club with a goal against Ebbsfleet, which was his first in senior football. His second came in a 6-2 thrashing of Maidenhead United in November.

 

Out of the 10 matches Thomas played, the 20-year-old started three. He returned to Elland Road this month but has now joined up with Halifax, who are pushing for a play-off spot.

 

A statement from Leeds United said: “Leeds United can announce Luca Thomas has completed a loan move to Vanarama National League side FC Halifax Town. The forward joins the Shaymen for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, linking up with Chris Millington’s side who currently sit just outside the Play-Off positions on goal difference.

 

“Earlier in the campaign, the 20-year-old forward enjoyed a loan spell at fellow National League outfit York City, where he scored two goals in 10 appearances across all competitions for the Minstermen.

 

“Everyone at the club wishes Luca well during his time at The Shay and we look forward to seeing his further development.”

 

Thomas, whose contract expires this summer, has yet to make his senior debut for United. His loan exit follows that of Joe Gelhardt to Hull City and Charlie Crew to Doncaster Rovers.