Leeds United Player Ratings vs Brighton: 8/10 Duo Impress as One Star Suffers 4/10 Nightmare

Leeds United were forced to settle for a point after playing out a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, but there were some very positive individual performances for Daniel Farke to take from the game.

The Whites went into the match with a difficult record at the Amex. Leeds had not scored at Brighton’s home ground since November 2012, but that unwanted run finally came to an end when Jayden Bogle found the net after just 15 minutes.

It was a bright start from Farke’s side, who looked confident and dangerous during the opening period. Leeds showed good energy and were able to cause Brighton problems, especially when they attacked with pace.

However, the game changed after the break.

Brighton improved, and Leeds could not produce the same level of performance they had shown in the first half. Luka Vuskovic eventually found the equaliser, leaving both sides with one point.

In the end, a draw was probably a fair result based on the overall 90 minutes. Still, there were several Leeds players who stood out, while one midfielder had a match to forget.

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Ao Tanaka gives Daniel Farke another selection decision

Ao Tanaka was one of the biggest positives for Leeds at the Amex.

The Japanese midfielder was making his first Premier League start of the season and used the opportunity very well. His performance could now give Farke a difficult decision when selecting his midfield for the next few matches.

Tanaka was aggressive, energetic and willing to chase every ball. His attitude was especially important during Leeds’ strong first-half performance.

The midfielder also played a major role in the opening goal.

Tanaka’s effort helped create the chance which eventually allowed Bogle to put Leeds ahead. There was some debate over whether Tanaka was actually attempting a shot rather than trying to provide an assist, but that will not matter much to the player.

What matters is that his effort contributed to a goal and he finished the game as one of Leeds’ best performers.

Tanaka’s relentless approach also gave Leeds more energy in midfield. He continued to compete for loose balls and did not give Brighton an easy afternoon.

With that in mind, Farke now has a genuine selection issue. The Leeds manager must decide whether Tanaka has done enough to keep his starting position in the coming weeks.

Anton Stach struggles as Bogle enjoys an excellent afternoon

While Tanaka impressed, Anton Stach had a very different afternoon.

The German midfielder is normally praised for his work rate and ability to cover plenty of ground, but very little seemed to go right for him against Brighton.

Stach tried to make things happen from the wider areas and regularly looked to send crosses into the Brighton penalty area. The problem was that too many of those deliveries failed to create a serious opportunity for Leeds.

He also missed a big chance, which made his afternoon even more frustrating.

It was not the sort of performance Leeds supporters have become used to seeing from Stach. His effort could not be questioned, but his influence on the game was limited.

The midfielder was therefore given a rating of just 4/10, making him the lowest-rated Leeds player on the day.

At the other end of the scale, Bogle was one of the stars.

The right-sided player opened the scoring after 15 minutes and produced a strong overall display. His attacking contribution was important, while his work throughout the match helped Leeds maintain a threat from the wide areas.

Nico Elvedi also impressed in defence and was given a 7/10 rating, while Noah Okafor received the same score.

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Leeds United player ratings vs Brighton

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Farke now faces a midfield selection call

The biggest question coming out of the Brighton match could be around Tanaka.

Farke has already shown that he is not afraid to change his team when he believes a player can improve the side. Tanaka’s performance gives him another option and could force the manager to think carefully about his midfield for the next Premier League game.

The Japanese international showed the kind of determination that can be very useful in a Premier League midfield. He was prepared to run, challenge and keep going even when Brighton began to take control of the match.

For Leeds, that is an encouraging sign.

The result itself may feel slightly disappointing after such a strong start, particularly because Leeds were ahead and had opportunities to make the advantage count. But the point keeps Farke’s side moving in the right direction.

The manager will also know that his team cannot afford to drop their level so much after half-time against stronger Premier League opposition.

Bogle and Tanaka were the standout performers, both receiving 8/10 ratings, while Elvedi and Okafor also produced good displays.

Stach, however, will be looking for a much better performance next time out.

Most importantly for Farke, Tanaka has now put himself firmly into the conversation for a regular starting place. After waiting for his first Premier League start of the season, he has given the Leeds boss a very good reason to consider keeping him in the team.

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