Leeds United finished their pre-season in excellent fashion after producing a convincing 4-0 victory over Augsburg at Elland Road.
The result gave Daniel Farke plenty to like before the Premier League season begins, with several players putting themselves in a strong position for the opening game against Nottingham Forest.
There were also important individual stories from the match. Anton Stach delivered one of his best performances of pre-season, while James Justin showed that he can provide a very useful answer on the left side of the defence.
James Trafford also made his Elland Road debut after arriving from Manchester City in a record-breaking deal. The new goalkeeper did not have to make many difficult saves, but he looked comfortable during his first appearance in front of the Leeds supporters.
Wilfried Gnonto was the main absentee after picking up an injury against Manchester United, meaning Farke had to make changes to his attacking options.
The four goals came from Stach, Tarik Muharemovic, Justin and substitute Lukas Nmecha, giving Leeds the perfect ending to their preparations.
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Anton Stach: 9/10
Stach was arguably the biggest winner from the match.
The German midfielder had not always looked certain to start the season, with Sean Longstaff also pushing hard for a place alongside Ethan Ampadu.
However, Stach made a very strong statement against Augsburg.
He opened the scoring after only one minute, immediately putting himself in the spotlight. His overall performance was full of energy and confidence, while he also came close to adding another goal before half-time.
Farke now has a genuine decision to make before the trip to Nottingham Forest.
James Justin: 9/10
Justin was another major positive for Leeds.
With Gabriel Gudmundsson expected to miss the beginning of the season because of injury, Farke needed someone capable of playing on the left.
Justin stepped up at exactly the right time.
The versatile defender looked comfortable in the position and was rewarded with a goal after combining well with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
His performance could save Farke from needing to rush Gudmundsson back into action.
Tarik Muharemovic: 9/10
Muharemovic continued to show why Leeds spent heavily to bring him to Elland Road.
The defender looked composed and confident, while his positioning helped Leeds control Augsburg’s attacking threat.
Scoring a goal made his afternoon even better.
He is starting to look like an important part of Farke’s defensive plans.
Ethan Ampadu: 9/10
Ampadu once again showed why he remains one of the most trusted players in the Leeds midfield.
He offered protection in front of the defence and helped Leeds control possession.
His ability to read the game allowed the more attacking players to move forward without leaving the team exposed.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 9/10
Calvert-Lewin did not get his name on the scoresheet, but his overall performance was excellent.
The striker linked well with the players around him and played an important part in Justin’s goal.
His movement and physical presence will be important for Leeds in the Premier League.
Farke will be hoping the experienced forward can carry this form into the competitive season.
James Trafford: 7/10
Trafford made his first appearance at Elland Road following his big-money move from Manchester City.
He was not seriously tested by Augsburg, but that was actually a positive sign for Leeds.
The new goalkeeper looked calm and comfortable and will now prepare for his first competitive appearance.
Jaka Bijol: 7/10
Bijol had a steady outing in defence.
He helped Leeds maintain their clean sheet and looked composed throughout his time on the pitch.
There were no major mistakes, which is exactly what Farke would have wanted.
Joe Rodon: 8/10
Rodon produced a solid defensive performance.
He was strong in challenges and helped Leeds keep Augsburg away from Trafford’s goal.
His experience could be important as Leeds prepare for the physical demands of Premier League football.
Brenden Aaronson: 7/10
Aaronson worked hard throughout his time on the pitch.
He offered movement between the lines and helped Leeds maintain pressure in the attacking areas.
There was plenty of positive work even though he did not find the net.
Jayden Bogle: 7/10
Bogle had a reliable afternoon.
He provided width and helped Leeds move the ball forward from the defensive area.
His performance gave Farke another reason to be happy with his options on the flanks.
Harry Wilson: 7/10
Wilson continued to show his quality after joining Leeds this summer.
He worked hard in attack and helped create space for the players around him.
Although he did not score, his link-up play remained useful.
Lukas Nmecha: 8/10
Nmecha came off the bench and made an immediate impact.
The forward scored Leeds’ fourth goal and finished the game strongly.
His performance gives Farke another option in attack and could be important if the manager wants to rotate Calvert-Lewin during the season.
Noah Okafor: 6/10
Okafor had less time to influence the match after coming on in the second half.
He worked hard but could not produce the same impact as some of Leeds’ other substitutes.
Dan James: 6/10
James was introduced in the second half and provided his usual pace.
He helped Leeds maintain their intensity but did not have enough time to make a major difference.
Sean Longstaff: 6/10
Longstaff’s introduction adds another layer to the midfield selection battle.
Stach’s excellent display means the former Newcastle midfielder now has even more competition for a starting position.
Ao Tanaka: 7/10
Tanaka gave Leeds energy after coming on.
He helped the team control the final stages and kept the midfield organised.
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Joel Piroe: 6/10
Piroe came on late in the game and had limited time to influence proceedings.
He helped Leeds see the match out but did not have enough minutes to make a major impact.
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Leeds United ratings vs Augsburg
| Player | Rating | Key note |
| James Trafford | 7/10 | Comfortable Elland Road debut |
| Jaka Bijol | 7/10 | Solid defensive display |
| James Justin | 9/10 | Excellent on the left and scored |
| Joe Rodon | 8/10 | Strong and reliable at the back |
| Tarik Muharemovic | 9/10 | Excellent performance and scored |
| Anton Stach | 9/10 | Scored early and impressed in midfield |
| Brenden Aaronson | 7/10 | Worked hard and offered movement |
| Ethan Ampadu | 9/10 | Controlled the midfield well |
| Jayden Bogle | 7/10 | Reliable performance on the flank |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 9/10 | Excellent link-up play and movement |
| Harry Wilson | 7/10 | Useful attacking contribution |
| Lukas Nmecha | 8/10 | Scored after coming off the bench |
| Noah Okafor | 6/10 | Limited impact after coming on |
| Dan James | 6/10 | Added pace in the second half |
| Sean Longstaff | 6/10 | Now faces stronger competition from Stach |
| Ao Tanaka | 7/10 | Helped control the closing stages |
| Joel Piroe | 6/10 | Limited time to influence the match |
The 4-0 victory was the perfect way for Leeds to end their pre-season.
More importantly, Farke now has several difficult decisions to make before the Premier League opener.
Stach’s performance has made the midfield battle particularly interesting, while Justin’s display means Leeds do not need to take unnecessary risks with Gudmundsson’s recovery.
With Trafford settling into his new home and several other players looking ready for the season, Leeds can now look towards Nottingham Forest with plenty of confidence.
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