George Robinson
Football Reporter
1:00 AM 25th November 2024
sports
November Internationals - Leeds United Player Watch
Football
Photo: rolandmey
Leeds United might well have been back in action yesterday, but the week before they had 13 players away on international duty, highlighting the strength of their squad. Wober, Solomon, Aaronson, Tanaka, Gnonto, Joseph, Mahady, Chambers, Darlow, Rodon, James and Firpo were the those spread far and wide representing their countries. Here we give a breakdown of how they all faired.
Leeds United loanee Solomon played a more defensive role for Israel over the international break, playing in a left-wing-back position to help his country claim a 1-0 victory over powerhouses Belgium. Soloman was like a brick-wall in the defensive line, claiming three successful tackles and nine recoveries. Soloman also featured as captain in Israel’s other game of the international break, where they faced France, in which Soloman played a role better suited to him at right midfield. The Israeli captain was taken off in the 72nd minute after a steady performance against a very strong side.
Japanese Leeds midfielder Tanaka had an impressive international break featuring in Japan’s 3-1 win over China. The midfielder had a 96% pass completion which was the highest of any player on the pitch. As well as being great in attack, Tanaka made five out of five tackles to help Japan claim a comfortable victory.
Darlow and Rodon both started for Wales against Turkey; a match which ended in a 0-0 draw. Darlow made three saves in the game, two of which were shots taken from inside the box. Rondon was also solid in the game making eight clearances and three recoveries. Dan James did feature coming on at half-time but wasn’t able to make any significant impact on the game.
Rodon and James went on to start Wales second game with Rodon having an impressive performance. Wales won 4-1 against Iceland with Rodon making 100% of his tackles, as well as making five clearances and eight recoveries. James had a decent if not spectacular showing, with the Welsh winger having one shot on target before picking up a yellow card, which resulted in him being subbed off in the 73rd minute.
Firpo started in two 6-1 hammerings for the Dominican Republic. Firpo's stand-out game was against Bermuda with the full-back claiming two assists in the game, as well as making 100% of his tackles. Against Dominica, Firpo known for his attacking threat, played in a more advanced role having four shots in the game, but was unable to convert any of these chances.
Wober had an imposing game playing for Austria during the November international break, playing the full 90 minutes against Slovenia. Wober was a rock at the back for his country making eight recoveries and three clearances in the game.
Italian U21 international Gnonto featured in a 2-2 draw with France, with the Whites player being subbed off without any involvement in the goals. Gnonto started on the bench for the second match, coming on in the second half against Ukraine, in another 2-2 draw.
Sam Chambers received a Scotland U19 call-up this November, with the 17-year-old starting in a 4-0 win against Liechtenstein U19s. Mahady also featured in the Scotland U-19s squad, and whilst he didn’t appear in the first match, he started in goal against France U19s, claiming an impressive clean sheet.
Aaronson only played 21 minutes for the USA in a 4-2 win.
Joseph received a call-up to the Spain U21 squad, starting in a 0-0 draw against England.
Post international break, Leeds came from behind on Sunday away to Swansea City, to win the match 4-3 in a winter thriller; a result which took them to the top of the Championship table.