Leeds United vs Monaco

Whites beaten at Elland Road. Friendly. Leeds United 2 (Koch 12', Gelhardt 90' pen). AS Monaco 4 (Embolo 25', 54', Martins ...

Gelson Martins was well positioned and found space at the back post, giving him time to slot into the back of the net. The constant forward pressure did pay off late in the match. Things would get worse as the away side continue to flood forward. Just a minute later, the Whites were nearly back in front. The first half saw Leeds on top for large parts, creating chances and causing problems for their visitors. With Monaco’s first real attack of the match, they equalised.

Here are our player ratings after Leeds United's friendly defeat to Monaco at Elland Road on Wednesday evening.

However, he looked a little rusty when he came on during the second-half. He played on the right of the midfield three. However, it is alarming that there were a couple of poor passes when trying to get out of trouble. He has the quality to make things happen out of nothing. And he stood out as a class act in the first-half. And, unsurprisingly, he worked so hard for the team. It probably was not the best sign that Leeds went from 1-1 to 4-1 down inside 10 minutes after his introduction. He should have also scored during the first-half when he was served a glorious chance. But a decent run-out as he seemingly prepares to replace Tyler Adams next week. He did not appear to see a lot of the ball. It is certainly a worrying thought that Jesse Marsch may be preparing for the full-back to start there against Manchester City. A terrible 10 minute period and not having a striker really cost the Whites.

Leeds United host Monaco in a mid-season friendly on Wednesday with choices at Jesse Marsch's disposal so we tasked our club writers to name the XIs they ...

The youngster looks out of sorts at present and he cut a frustrated figure on Friday night when he stepped off the bench. Diego Llorente is the only question mark, but Rene Maric sounded optimistic about his fitness in his post-match press conference on Friday night and if he’s fit, I’d like to see him play before the campaign resumes. Adam Forshaw looked rusty last time out against Real Sociedad, but I’d still be looking to introduce him into the action in the second half. The team may look different against Manchester City with players hopefully returning from injury, but Wednesday’s game provides some with one last chance to stake a claim for a starting spot. Whether he’s struggled in the last two or not, it’s a big ask to start either Sam Greenwood or Darko Gyabi in his place against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. However, I’m keen to see Joe Gelhardt given a shot. Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk could do with all the minutes they can get their hands on, while Rasmus Kristensen should be involved once more as the club’s leading right-back. [Luke Ayling](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-about/luke-ayling) and Pascal Struijk no more than turns from the bench after playing every minute of the last two friendlies. Adam Forshaw needs more match practice to drastically improve on what we have seen against Elche and Real Sociedad. There is the strongest line-up you could put out, but you’re then leaving squad players with no chance of busting some rust before they may be called upon from the bench against the champions. Rodrigo has to start. [Mateusz Klich](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-about/mateusz-klich) remains a temptation, but I would want to see [Leeds ](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-about/leeds-united-fc)continue riding this Wilfried Gnonto storm that is threatening to explode on the flank.