Leicester 1-3 Leeds: Player ratings as Patrick Bamford masterclass sinks Foxes

31 January 2021 19:06

A Patrick Bamford masterclass dented Leicester's title hopes at the King Power Stadium, as the forward scored one and created two more to put Brendan Rodgers' team to the sword.

Rodgers had said before the match that he didn't want his team to be drawn into a 'basketball match', but you get what you get when you play Leeds.

The Foxes took the lead early on through Harvey Barnes, but were pegged back within minutes when Stuart Dallas arrived late to to take advantage of some great hold-up play from Bamford.

Each team then had a goal ruled out before the break (you don't get that in basketball), but just as Leicester began to take control in the second 45, it was Leeds who took the initiative.

Bamford put them in front with an incredible finish with 20 minutes remaining, and the striker turned creator to make sure of the points late on, squaring to Jack Harrison for a simple finish.

Let's get into some player ratings!

Leicester

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Schmeichel wasn't pleased with those in front of him | Pool/Getty Images

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) - 7/10 - Had to be at his shot-stopping best at times in the first half and didn't look pleased about it. Not much he could do with either of Leeds' second-half goals.

Timothy Castagne (RB) - 5/10 - Looked OK before a groin injury forced him off before half-time.

Wesley Fofana (CB) - 5/10 - Committed far too easily for the Leeds equaliser and looked awkward after being moved out to right-back at the break.

Jonny Evans (CB) - 5/10 - Not his best display as he struggled to win his battles against Bamford for the most part.

James Justin (LB) - 7/10 - Proficient going forward and so aggressive defensively. Won the ball back ten times without giving away a foul.

2. Midfielders

Maddison was involved in most things for Leicester | James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Nampalys Mendy (CM) - 6/10 - Tasked with the 'Ndidi' role and did it fairly well. Swarmed every time he touched the ball but dealt with the press confidently for the most part.

Youri Tielemans (CM) - 5/10 - Involved in a few promising counter-attacks but his passing and decision-making weren't quite as incisive as usual.

James Maddison (AM) - 7/10 - Laid on the opener for his 17th goal involvement of the season. Faded in and out of the game but served as the nucleus of most of Leicester's attacks.

3. Forwards

Harvey Barnes struck first | James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Marc Albrighton (RW) - 5/10 - Fairly uneventful first half before he was sacrificed to change shape at the break.

Ayoze Perez (CF) - 6/10 - Selfless and efficient, held the ball up well but often dropped too deep to make a real impact.

Harvey Barnes (LW) - 7/10 - Sensational run for the opener even if there was no meaningful challenge in sight. Another bright performance.

4. Substitutes

Ricardo Pereira (Castagne, 36) - 5/10 - Moved up to the right wing after Albrighton's withdrawal and was ineffectual.

Caglar Soyuncu (Albrighton, 46) - 5/10 - Introduced as part of a tactical reshuffle but struggled in a makeshift-looking back line.

Leeds

5. Goalkeeper & defenders

Luke Ayling was in the wars | Pool/Getty Images

Illan Meslier (GK) - 6/10 - Composed in his distribution and confident in claiming crosses when he had to be. Great stop to deny Perez an equaliser.

Luke Ayling (RB) - 7/10 - Ambitious with his runs forward but generally solid defensively. Suffered a nasty cut on his head but that didn't stop him flying into every 50/50 that presented itself.

Liam Cooper (CB) - 6/10 - Commanding at the back even if his decision-making was a little off kilter at times.

Pascal Strujik (CB) - 7/10 - Frequently stepped out to win the ball back and usually won it. Tidy in his distribution even if he favoured the safe pass.

Ezgjan Alioski (LB) - 6/10 - Difficult to pin him down to a base position at times with his movement. Buzzed about the pitch and made his presence felt in all phases of play.

6. Midfielders

Stuart Dallas scored the opener | Pool/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips (DM) - 6/10 - Unusually saw fewer touches of the ball than any other outfield player but made the right decision whenever it came to him.

Stuart Dallas (CM) - 7/10 - Another who covered so much ground that it was hard to tell what position he was actually playing. Momentarily a forward with his composed finish for the opening goal.

Rodrigo (CM) - 4/10 - Weirdly started as an advanced central midfielder but injury curtailed his involvement before he could justify that odd decision.

7. Forwards

Raphinha (RW) - 7/10 - Quick thinking and razor-sharp execution made the second goal. Quiet outside of that but the big moments are where it counts.

Patrick Bamford (CF) - 8/10 - Made the first, scored the second, made the third. Bosh.

Jack Harrison (LW) - 6/10 - Quietest of Leeds' front three but didn't half get about the pitch. Rewarded for his endeavour with a late tap-in.

8. Substitutes

Mateusz Klich (Rodrigo, 21) - 7/10 - Put in a shift in midfield after his introduction and kick-started moves for goals two and three. Can't complain with that.

Helder Costa (Raphinha, 80) - 5/10

Source: 90min