Three days after a 4-1 victory against Hannover 96, Daniel Farke’s Whites faced Bundesliga 2 outfit Schalke at Kümpel + Hellmeister Arena in Rhynern in the second outing of their German training camp. The contest marked United’s penultimate pre-season friendly ahead of the new Championship season which sees Leeds start with the visit of newly-promoted Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10.
Beforehand, the Whites will face Valencia at Elland Road next Saturday afternoon. But all eyes were on the second friendly in Germany against Schalke on Saturday for which the YEP’s chief football writer Graham Smyth was in attendance.
After a goalless first half, Mateo Joseph got on the end of a Jayden Bogle cross to head Leeds in front. The Whites then doubled their advantage through Georginio Rutter as Joel Piroe this time provided the assist with another cross. The goals from Joseph and Piroe sealed a 2-0 victory and here is how chief reporter Smyth rated the players.
13. Sam Byram (sub)
8 - Dominant in the air, produced big tackles, joined in with counter attacks. Brought some vocal leadership on with him for the second half. Photo: Jess Hornby
14. Pascal Struijk (sub)
7 - Kept it simple. Defended well enough. Wasn't overly troubled in his second half appearance. Photo: Richard Sellers
15. Ilia Gruev (sub)
8 - Got straight into it, played some nice passes and disrupted Schalke possession by fair means or foul. Photo: Michael Regan
16. Joel Piroe (sub)
7 - In the right place to score a lovely, simple goal. Involved in plenty of second half action. Should have found Joseph on a promising break. Worked hard. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
17. James Debayo (sub)
6 - On to play right-back in place of Bogle. Came under only a brief bit of pressure. Did fine on the ball when it came. Photo: Richard Sellers
18. Charlie Crew (sub)
6 - Chased around trying to exert pressure. Wanted the ball. Photo: DANIEL RICHARDSON