Leeds United player ratings as Tanaka, Rothwell and Piroe impress in dominant Plymouth win

Leeds United strolled to their seventh win of the season on Saturday afternoon, as they blew away Plymouth Argyle 3-0 at Elland Road. The Whites moved up to second in the Championship after a procession in West Yorkshire.

The game seemed settled across eight first-half minutes, when Daniel James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson all got in on the act as the Pilgrims' organisation evaporated at the back. James scored with a long-range screamer into the top corner.

Piroe then benefitted from several Plymouth failures to clear the ball and a slip or two to tuck away from five yards out. Aaronson put the cherry on the first-half cake after a lovely trap and backheel from Piroe inside the box.

There were no further goals in what was a controlled second half, with both sides knowing their fate.

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

1 Illan Meslier

If it weren't for goal kicks, he would have come away with zero touches, virtually. A total spectator. 6

25 Sam Byram

As with many of the ratings, the opposition was so meek it was hard to learn much about any of the players on Saturday. Byram was entirely untroubled defensively, though there was one attempt to win a goal kick off an attacker which went wrong and nearly put the team in difficulty. Provided an option in attack, but didn't always have the quality needed. 7

6 Joe Rodon

Everything under control which came over the halfway line. Really not asked to get out of second or third gear. Some half-looks at goal from set-pieces. 7

5 Pascal Struijk (c)

As with Rodon, did not have to do a great deal against a weak Argyle team which failed to have a shot all afternoon. 7

3 Junior Firpo

Possibly wanted more for himself in the final third, given the quality of opposition, but a welcome returner. Offered an option and played his part in attacks, but not a day which involved him a huge amount. 7

22 Ao Tanaka

Another dominant display in the engine room. Evidently a cut above this division, let alone a team near the bottom of it. Just stomped over anything which came into the middle third and offered a decent threat in the final third too, threading passes and hitting shots. 8

8 Joe Rothwell

Ran the game from the start, really. Created five chances, constantly put the ball into dangerous areas against a deep-lying opponent. Helped with the dirty work alongside Tanaka too. 8

7 Daniel James

Summed up why it was such a boost to have him fit to start. Outstanding goal and arguably an even better cross with his weaker foot into Joel Piroe before the third strike. An all-round, persistent threat. Even had the luxury of coming off early to protect that hamstring. 8

11 Brenden Aaronson

Busy and threaded some nice passes around the box, but didn't catch the eye as much as others in the final third. Created his own luck with that willing run onto the loose ball for his goal. 7

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29 Wilfried Gnonto

James gave him an easy assist with the sideways pass across the box. Always energetic and looking to get Leeds moving, but didn't really get the space he wanted to properly light the game up. 7

10 Joel Piroe

Really good response to last weekend's isolated showing. Hit the post with a technical, cushioned volley. Made a dangerous early run that nearly got an opening. Eventually found his goal with alert play around the six-yard box and then played a major role in the third goal with one of the first-touch traps of the season before a backheel. 8

Substitutes

26 Karl Darlow

14 Manor Solomon (on for James 66min)

Game was dead and buried by half-time and the second half he entered had entered a very static state. Not much of an impact. 6

19 Mateo Joseph (on for Aaronson 66min)

Busy, but match did not have the edge or energy he needed to find space or a chance. 6

23 Josuha Guilavogui (on for Rothwell 74min)

Really composed and high quality, which was not hard to do in this scenario, but plenty of promise for the weeks ahead and vital minutes in his legs. 7

33 Isaac Schmidt

37 James Debayo

39 Max Wober

42 Sam Chambers (on for Gnonto 74min)

Busy and got involved. Didn't shy away from the cut and thrust of the game. 6

50 Charlie Crew (on for Piroe 86min)

Senior debut and a late introduction. N/A