Player Ratings: Fulham 0 (5) - 0 (6) Leeds United

Leeds United made it through to the fourth round of the League Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Fulham away from home. Marcelo Bielsa described the performance as “average“, but how did the team fare as individuals?

Illan Meslier (8): Distributed well, made a few good saves including a crucial one against Kebano from a free-kick, and ultimately won the game for Leeds with his penalty save against Muniz.

Stuart Dallas (6.5): Not much to say here, took a few hits in the first half but kept fighting. Did his job quietly and led the team well.

Charlie Cresswell (8): A very impressive display from the under-23s captain. Won just about everything in the air, made the most passes and was very vocal in his centre-back role. Weirdly didn’t actually make a tackle but a couple of interceptions are just as good.

Kalvin Phillips (6.5): Slotting into centre-back nicely. Kept Leeds ticking from even deeper, distributing well and keeping his positioning tight.

Junior Firpo (4.5): Still not convinced by Firpo, it seems like he’s got square feet half the time. He had a few moments of good strength and link-up play, but at other points, he looked clumsy on the ball. Corker of a penalty though.

Jamie Shackleton (7.5): Another stand-out young performer in midfield, playing in the Phillips role for much of this game. Mopped up in deep positions really well and also contributed heavily to keeping Leeds ticking. Hopefully he stays fit and can break further into the first team.

Mateusz Klich (6): Solid performance, and not much more.

Daniel James (6): Really quiet in the second half, but showed some moments of good play with good defensive recovery and support, control on the ball and some decent link-up play.

Crysencio Summerville (6): Much the same as James for young Jimmy. Had a big moment in the first half as he intercepted a loose ball in the Fulham third, drove into the box with Roberts open on his right. He overweighted a simple pass and the chance was gone.

Rodrigo (6.5): Another decent performance in midfield for Rodrigo. He can be very hot and cold in that area, but he’s always trying things. Was fairly dangerous at times but offensively overall the performance wasn’t great anyway.

Tyler Roberts (5.5): Not much to say for Roberts, decent performance. He’s clearly a good player, he just lacks something. Whether it’s final product or the opportunity to prove he’s got final product, something’s got to give.

Substitutes:

Adam Forshaw (6.5): Great to see Forshaw back in the team. Came on and played in the Phillips role and did a good job. Nothing special, just solid.

Joe Gelhardt (N/A): After all the anticipation, Gelhardt didn’t manage to make an impact in open play as he struggled for a chance to show his talents. He did score his penalty though, and full credit to him for that.

Stuart McKinstry (6): For the short time he was on, McKinstry showed pace, vision and a good understanding of his role on the wing under Bielsa. Scored his penalty too.

Who was your man of the match? Let us know on Twitter @ThruItAllLUFC.