Three days after a 4-1 victory against Hannover 96, Daniel Farke’s Whites faced Bundesliga 2 outfit Schalke at Kümpel + Hellmeister Arena in Rhynern in the second outing of their German training camp. The contest marked United’s penultimate pre-season friendly ahead of the new Championship season which sees Leeds start with the visit of newly-promoted Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10.
Beforehand, the Whites will face Valencia at Elland Road next Saturday afternoon. But all eyes were on the second friendly in Germany against Schalke on Saturday for which the YEP’s chief football writer Graham Smyth was in attendance.
After a goalless first half, Mateo Joseph got on the end of a Jayden Bogle cross to head Leeds in front. The Whites then doubled their advantage through Georginio Rutter as Joel Piroe this time provided the assist with another cross. The goals from Joseph and Piroe sealed a 2-0 victory and here is how chief reporter Smyth rated the players.
7. Joe Rothwell
7 - Steady. Not too many chances to create, kept the ball well. Did curl in a fine ball for Bogle to set up Joseph's goal. Photo: LUFC
8. Willy Gnonto
8 - Worked tirelessly, made some clever runs, passed it nicely for the most part and drew contact. Involved in a couple of chances, forced saves. Photo: George Wood
9. Brenden Aaronson
6 - Busy, involved in some good moments and showed a couple of nice touches but couldn't take his big chance. Picked up some good positions. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
10. Georginio Rutter
7 - Really started to enjoy himself on the right wing and picked up a lovely assist. Found it harder going in the first half but worked hard and got involved in plenty. Photo: Richard Sellers
11. Mateo Joseph
8 - Took his goal well, supplied some tidy hold up play, showed his improved strength and pressed defenders. Might have had a second but stuck Bogle's earlier cross wide. Photo: LUFC
12. Karl Darlow (sub)
6 - Unable to take his first cross clean, looked comfortable from then on in. Was hardly troubled as Leeds took over the game. Photo: Alex Caparros