Sharp when he needed to be and off his line quickly, four days after returning from holiday.  
(Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)Sharp when he needed to be and off his line quickly, four days after returning from holiday.  
(Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Sharp when he needed to be and off his line quickly, four days after returning from holiday. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Leeds United 4-0 Blackpool - Graham Smyth's player ratings as young guns shine in pre-season opener

Graham Smyth offers his Leeds United verdict in the form of post-match player ratings from the Whites' first pre-season friendly against Blackpool

Leeds United put Blackpool to the sword in their opening friendly of pre-season with a professional and convincing win over the Seasiders.

Joe Gelhardt had the ball in the net inside four minutes but was ajudged to have been offside from Junior Firpo's cross.

Leeds didn't have to wait a great deal longer for their opening goal, though. Jack Harrison's quick-thinking at a short free-kick played in Firpo whose cross was legally turned home this time by Robin Koch.

It was to be Harrison and Firpo combining yet again for the second; the former's flat, drilled corner headed in at the near post by the latter.

Rodrigo made no mistake with Leeds' third of pre-season, firing high into the net after Gelhardt had taken down a dropping ball inside the box.

Half-time and the hour mark brought a raft of changes for the home side, after Blackpool had changed their entire XI at the break.

The youngsters brought on for the second half fared reasonably well and remained in control of proceedings to their credit.

Mateo Joseph added a fourth late on via a deflection in what was a sharp performance all-round.

Here are the Leeds United player ratings.

Leeds didn't have to wait a great deal longer for their opening goal, though. Jack Harrison's quick-thinking at a short free-kick played in Firpo whose cross was legally turned home this time by Robin Koch.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.