Leeds United kicked off pre-season with a steady 0-0 against Man United in Sweden. It was not wild or flashy, but it felt controlled for long spells.
Daniel Farke mixed sharp pressing with calm passages. Tempo dropped here and there (first game rust), yet the shape mostly held.
Now the squad heads over to Germany for the next part of the build‑up before the opening Premier League clash with Everton.
Early doors, but some lads already look dialled in.
Stand-Out Winners
Jayden Bogle, Driving Force
Bogle looked lively straight away. Strong bursts down the right, brave on the ball, hard running back.
You can see why the club brought him in. Energy, pace, and a bit of bite. For a £5m type signing, he already feels like value.
He even stayed on while others got hooked at half-time, which tells a lot. He looks ready for another crack at top-flight level.
Ao Tanaka, Smart Midfield Brain
Tanaka kept it simple and sharp. Quick touches, neat little angles, never hiding.
At times he moved it around big names in red without fuss.
He might not be locked in as starter every week, but games will come where his tidy feet and calm thinking are vital.
He gives Farke that flexible option for different styles of match.
Illan Meslier, Reminder of Quality
Meslier came on and did the basics well clean handling, good positioning, decent distribution.
No drama. After time out he needed a clean showing and he delivered.
It does not guarantee he stays number one, and the club could still chase another keeper, but he reminded folk (and maybe watching scouts) that there is a good shot-stopper there when confidence is right.
Players Under Pressure
Sam Byram, Awkward on the Left
Byram worked hard but looked uncomfortable flipping over to the left side. Build-up down that flank slowed.
You can sense Leeds still need a true left-foot understudy behind Gudmundsson.
As a depth piece he helps, but upgrades would ease nerves.
Patrick Bamford, Future Elsewhere
Long servant, big highs, promotions, key goals in past seasons.
But signs point to a fresh path now. With other forwards in the queue and another striker likely coming, his role has shrunk.
It feels like respectful goodbye territory rather than a new chapter in white.
Joel Piroe, Needs a Lift
Piroe showed a few tidy passes yet never fully stuck the ball in tight areas like he can.
Being subbed off then later replaced again tells its own story.
With new faces pushing, he must raise his hold-up and sharpness against stronger defenders or he slips down behind the more physical option.
What It Means Going Forward
First pre-season match, so no overreaction. Still, structure looked decent, pressing triggers appeared coached, and certain new lads blended in.
Key needs remain, extra striker competition, final decision on goalkeeper hierarchy, and depth at left-back, but the base is there.
If Bogle keeps driving, Tanaka stays crisp, and one more clinical forward arrives, Leeds can hit the Premier League opener with belief.
Overall positives in control, fitness, and a few individual sparks, warnings at depth spots. A platform to build on in Germany.
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