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Brilliant Hernandez, Poor De Bock – The best and the worst rated Leeds players vs Reading

Reading 2-2 Leeds United: Whites Grab A Point At The Madejski

Leeds United were held to a 2-2 draw by Reading FC at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday in the EFL Championship. 

The Whites found themselves trailing only 16 minutes into the game when Jon Bodvarrson put the Royals ahead, tucking the ball into the net from a one-on-one situation. Defender Pontus Jansson restored parity for Leeds just minutes before half-time with a flicked finish after being found by Adam Forshaw. 

Paul Heckingbottom’s side went ahead eleven minutes into the second half, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Pablo Hernandez but the home team were back on level terms only two minutes later as Leeds midfielder Eunan O’Kane diverted a Leandro Bacuna cross into his own net.  

Here’s how we rate the performances of the Leeds stars on the day.

Leeds United Player Ratings 

Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 6.5/10 

Made three very important saves in the first period with the score still at 1-0. Was alert to a dangerous ball late in the game. The youngster deserves to be backed by the manager.

Gaetano Berardi – 6/10

The Swiss right-back was given a difficult time initially by former Leeds United loanee Modou Barrow but grew into the game with time and was fairly decent.  

Matthew Pennington – 5.5/10 

Made a goal-line block in the first half to keep out Evans and was fairly steady throughout. His passing from the back continues to be a cause for concern though. 

Pontus Jansson – 6.5/10 

Brought his team back into the game with the equaliser just before half-time. Defended resolutely for most parts of the game and was quite solid and steady at the back.  

Laurens De Bock – 4/10 

Brought back into the starting XI after his disastrous display against Derby County, the Belgian was once again poor defensively and remains a liability at the back.  

Eunan O’Kane – 6/10 

The Irishman was handed a start ahead of Kalvin Phillips and he put in a much-improved display after some really disappointing performances recently. Was unlucky to score the own goal that deprived his team of a win.

Adam Forshaw – 7/10 

The former Middlesbrough man continues to be the bright spot for the Whites. Was his usual all-action self in the middle of the park, winning tackles, passing the ball forward. Got the assist for Jansson’s goal as well. 

Ezgjan Alioski – 6/10 

Picked ahead of Stuart Dallas, the Macedonian winger was not lacking for efforts but just couldn’t bring the necessary threat from the flanks. His work-rate has drastically improved but he needs to contribute more going forward.  

Samu Saiz – 7/10

The Spaniard went about his usual business in the No.10 role, causing some problems to the Royals backline with his passing and movement. Got the assist for Leeds’ second goal.

Pablo Hernandez – 7.5/10

Returning to the starting XI after the midweek defeat, the Spaniard continues to show how important he is to this Leeds side. Looked up for it from the start and scored a magnificent goal in the second half.

Caleb Ekuban – 5.5/10

Coming in for Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Ekuban did not fare all that well at the tip of the attack for the Whites. Worked hard off the ball but did not look like troubling the home side’s defence. 

Substitutes 

Pierre-Michel Lasogga – N/A 

Replaced Ekuban with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.  

Stuart Dallas – N/A 

Came on for Hernandez in the 85th minute.