When Leeds United announced that they would be playing a friendly against German side Borussia Monchengladbach a few weeks ago, everyone was anxious to see how they would stack up. The Whites did well, very well, and drew 1-1 on Thursday, and here are three thoughts:
Right side combines well, Leeds take advantage for second minute goal
Leeds got off to a great start against a slightly weakened Monchengladbach side through Luke Ayling’s goal. The finish gave them a lead early on, and that propelled them to a good showing in the first half against the Bundesliga side. They did so by taking it straight to their opponents.
Ayling and Kemar Roofe using some great passing combinations to get in behind and allow Ayling to finish. That partnership is very encouraging, and it could just mean that those two can keep their spots ahead of the new season despite all of the new signings.
Subs disrupt flow
Just as the game started to look like being a Leeds victory, substitutions had to be made and we were all reminded that it was but a mere friendly.
The subs came in, and of course, undermined the chemistry and quality of the team- as it so often does. That’s preseason football, though, and the side will feel very good about this result ahead of the new season.
Roofe proves his worth
Kemar Roofe looks like he wants to remain a key player, and he showed exactly why he should be today. His work with Ayling on the goal got things started, but he also tested the goalkeeper on two more big occasions, forcing a save once and hitting the post the other time.
Roofe is a huge player that has put much bigger sides under pressure, and he has underlined just how vital he can be to Christensen here.
