Leeds 1-0 Watford: Player Ratings

Diego Llorente’s close-range finish secured Leeds United’s first win of the Premier League season against Watford.

A poor clearance from Juraj Kucka following Raphinha’s corner allowed Llorente to showcase his quick reactions and volley the Whites into the lead.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side dominated nearly the entire game, shooting 20 times and creating 12 chances in total.

Despite being unable to find a second goal, a lacklustre Watford outfit didn’t create enough to get back into the game.

Here are the player ratings:

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Illan Meslier - 6

Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images

Had very little to do during a match Leeds dominated. Dropped the ball into his own net following a Watford corner in the second half but fortunately Leeds were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Cooper.

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Junior Firpo - 6.5

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Defended well and got involved going forward. A step in the right direction from the summer signing. Provided width and contributed with a number of crosses.

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Liam Cooper - 6.5

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Was fortunate to avoid punishment for his challenge on Joshua King at the edge of the Leeds area. Otherwise a relatively comfortable game for the captain.

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Diego Llorente - 8

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Executed one or two lovely long balls. Quick reactions enabled an excellent close-range volley to put Leeds ahead. Defended well and had a comfortable game at the back.

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Jamie Shackleton - 7

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Saw plenty of action down the right side and linked up well with the likes of Dallas. Perhaps lacking in final product and fell short with some of his decision-making, but is doing a good job covering for Ayling overall.

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Kalvin Phillips - 6.5

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

A quiet game by his standards. Wasn’t as accurate with his passing as he tends to be. Still knocked the ball around nicely, intercepted loose balls and kept things ticking as Leeds dominated possession.

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Daniel James - 7.5

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Showed why Bielsa was so relentless in chasing his signature. Caused Watford plenty of problems with his pace and pressing. Should have been awarded a penalty after he was fouled by Troost-Ekong in the area, but the referee and VAR bizarrely let the Hornets off. Otherwise won multiple free-kicks for Leeds.

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Mateusz Klich (off 90+3’) - 7

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Strong display from the Poland international. Held the ball well in the final third, showcased good feet and had a couple of efforts on goal, including a well-hit volley that narrowly missed the top-right corner.

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Stuart Dallas (off 78’) - 6.5

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

An improvement on recent performances. Linked up play well, particularly with Shackleton down the right side. Made good runs and had a number of shots, most of which were blocked or fired well off target. Came off with an injury.

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Raphinha - 7.5

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Another lively display from the Brazilian. Made some good runs and found one or two excellent ranged passes. Struggled to find the target with his shots but created plenty of half opportunities for his teammates.

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Rodrigo Moreno - 7

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Lacked a clinical edge in the area but did showcased his intelligence in the build-up. Created some decent opportunities for his teammates but should have put away one or two of his own.

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Tyler Roberts (on 78’) - 6.5

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Once again introduced with little time to impact the game, but was heavily involved in the final ten minutes or so. Showcased good dribbling and forced corners with crosses and shots. An acrobatic volley came off the bar.

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Pascal Struijk (on 90+3’) - N/A

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A late sub. Good to see him back in action.

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