Leeds United’s impressive pre-season form continued against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig this afternoon, as the Whites secured a 2-0 win at Elland Road.
The victory makes it three wins in a row for Daniel Farke’s side, after previous wins against Sunderland and Liverpool during their recent tour of the United States.
New additions Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic both started the clash in Yorkshire, whilst club-record man James Trafford remained absent after returning from holiday.
The manager will no doubt be impressed with his team’s display, but who were the shining lights of the Whites’ impressive victory over the German top-division outfit?
Who were Leeds’ star performers against RB Leipzig?
Just as he did during Leeds’ Premier League campaign last term, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has once again been the man to step up and provide the goods in front of goal.
The 29-year-old netted twice during the recent victory over Liverpool, but managed to add to his pre-season tally against Leipzig this afternoon at Elland Road.
He managed to slot the ball home in the first half after an unthinkable driving run down the right-hand side by centre-back Joe Rodon – who also starred during the victory.
The Welshman’s dominance at the heart of Farke’s defence once again helped the Whites to keep a clean sheet for the second time in three matches.
He and Muharemovic appear to be building up an impressive partnership within the club’s back three, which will no doubt be vital if the side are to be successful in 2026/27.
Lukas Nmecha added the Whites’ second goal with just a few minutes remaining, which also saw him continue his impressive pre-season form in front of goal.
Such a strike adds to his effort against Sunderland back in July, which could see him remain as Calvert-Lewin’s understudy throughout the upcoming campaign.
How Farke can save millions on Paixao with Leeds star
Leeds’ new additions have shown glimpses of serious quality throughout pre-season – something which Farke has desperately craved throughout the summer.
However, further arrivals are expected before the window closes, with Marseille attacker Igor Paixao once again appearing on their radar over recent days.
The Brazilian, who was linked with a move to Elland Road last summer, could be allowed to leave the French outfit this window – with a £35m fee being touted for his signature.
Such a deal would take the Whites’ spending to upwards of £100m this summer, but it’s a deal which the hierarchy may need to look past for the 26-year-old.
|
Leeds’ all-time most expensive additions |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Fee (add-ons included) |
|
James Trafford |
£45m |
|
Georginio Rutter |
£35.5m |
|
Tarik Muharemovic |
£34m |
|
Brenden Aaronson |
£28.5m |
|
Rodrigo |
£26m |
|
Dan James |
£25m |
|
Luis Sinisterra |
£21m |
|
Tyler Adams |
£20m |
Fellow attacker Wilfried Gnonto may have been in the dark at Elland Road over recent months, but he’s returned to pre-season with a point to prove to boss Farke.
The Italian may have only started once throughout pre-season, but he has managed to catch the eye over recent games – with his showing off the bench against Leipzig one which deserves huge credit.
He did have to wait to be brought onto the pitch, as the manager decided to bring on academy star Callum Mills before the former Italian international.
However, when handed his chance with just nine minutes remaining, Gnonto took his opportunity with both hands – showcasing why Farke must utilise him more this term.
The 22-year-old was relentless with his running after being introduced, with the attacker even showing his quality within forward areas despite his reduced minutes.
Gnonto found himself in a superb position and fired an impressive ball into the 18-yard box into the path of Nmecha, who fired home to secure the victory for the Whites.
After such a performance, the youngster undoubtedly deserves the opportunity to thrive once again in 2026/27.
A deal for Paixao may be on the cards this summer, but such a move will only make game time even harder to come by for Gnonto – potentially pushing him closer to the exit door.
Such a decision would be a bonkers one by Farke, as the Italian is clearly a player who has bags of ability – but he’s just not been given the frequent chances to prove it.
As a result, the hierarchy should hold off on a deal for the Brazilian, with the manager needing to place more faith into the attacker to provide the goods in the Premier League.
