Leeds managed to earn their first win of the season on Saturday as they beat Watford 1-0 at Elland Road, which spelt the end for Watford boss Xisco Munoz.
Leeds deserved to win by a larger margin, but they’ll be happy to win a Premier League game nevertheless. Here are our player ratings for Leeds United vs Watford.
Ilian Meslier- 6/10
Meslier’s somewhat average rating is more an indictment on Leeds’ dominance than a smear on his performance. Watford mustered just 1 shot on target all game, meaning the young Frenchman didn’t really have all that much to do.
Jamie Shackleton- 8/10
Every time Shackleton gets on the field he seems to get better and better. The youngster has been filling in at right back since the injury to Luke Ayling and he has been excellent. His passing and energy was exceptional, and it would seem Ayling may have a job on replacing him.
Diego Llorente- 9/10
Leeds always look infinitely more secure when Llorente is playing. In his first game back since his injury, Llorente scored the winner, but that’s not why he’s rated so highly. Watford barely had a sniff that game and Llorente was back to his usual best. Leeds will be hoping he can remain at full fitness.
Liam Cooper- 8/10
Cooper has had many critics since Leeds won promotion, but credit needs to be given where credit was due. The Leeds captain was faultless on Saturday, and looked very much as though he belonged in the Premier League.
Junior Firpo- 7/10
Firpo looked like the Barcelona full back Leeds thought they were signing this weekend. He looks to be slowly easing his way into the Premier League and put in a solid performance in this game. Hopefully the Spaniard can go from strength to strength following this.
Kalvin Phillips- 7/10
Phillips usually has a good game and this weekend was no different. Phillips provided everything Phillips usually does, his passing was fantastic and his defensive awareness was top notch. Hopefully he signs this new contract sooner rather than later.
Raphinha- 7/10
Raphinha was one of the only Leeds players who looked like doing anything against West Ham, so with the team performing better this weekend he didn’t stand out as much. Raphinha always looks dangerous and this game was no different, even if he couldn’t make a direct impact on the scoreline.
Stuart Dallas- 6/10
Dallas hasn’t been at his best this season, but against Watford he didn’t do much wrong. He clearly didn’t bring his shooting boots with him, but his overall play and pressing was good enough to avoid criticism and earn an average rating.
Mateusz Klich- 7/10
Klich is the perfect Bielsa midfielder, and offered more of the same in this game. High energy, clever passing and instinctive movement were at the forefront of his performance this weekend.
Dan James- 8/10
The Welsh winger has shown already that is going to be very useful in this team. He was unlucky to not have won a penalty in the first half, as VAR once again didn’t overturn a clear mistake by the referee. James was helping out defensively and still offering a direct outlet with his pace going forward. A very solid start to James’ life as a Leeds player.
Rodrigo- 6/10
The last couple games and the next few games are possibly the most important of Rodrigo’s Leeds United career. With Bamford being injured, now is his chance to prove that he has what it takes to be a Premier League striker. His first touch let him down at times on Saturday, but he was still energetic and helpful with his pressing and linkup play.
