Leeds United returned to winning ways last night, claiming a 2-0 win over Millwall at Elland Road, extending the gap to four points over third-placed Burnley.
An own goal from Jake Cooper and a second-half strike from Ao Tanaka secured all three points for Daniel Farke’s side, edging them one step closer to promotion from the Championship.
It wasn’t a vintage display for large parts, but ultimately, after the defeat on the South Coast at the weekend, three points were all that mattered against Alex Neil’s side.
The Whites restricted the opposition to just four shots all night, with Illan Meslier a passenger not needing to make a single save after the backline prevented any shots from making it on target.
Multiple players stepped up after losing their unbeaten run a couple of days ago, impressing throughout and playing an important role in the triumph in Yorkshire.
Leeds’ star performers against Millwall
Left-back Junior Firpo continues to impress for Leeds, with the club desperately needing to offer the former Barcelona ace a new deal with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old registered 11 passes into the final third, completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted – staggering numbers for a defender – before setting the second goal, notching his ninth assist of the campaign.
As previously mentioned, holding midfielder Tanaka managed to get himself on the scoresheet for the fourth time in 2024/25 but also impressed with his all-round game at the heart of the side.
The Japanese international notched 109 touches during the triumph, making nine recoveries and winning 10 duels – the most of any player on the pitch.
Despite his recent impressive showing, one other Whites player had an evening to remember, rapidly becoming as important as if not more important, than the 26-year-old in recent outings.
The Leeds star who’s becoming as important as Tanaka
Given the strength of the Leeds first-team squad, minutes can be hard to come by, as seen with Wilfried Gnonto, who has been unable to make a league start in 2025 due to the form of others around him.
However, it’s about taking your opportunity whenever it falls your way, something which Joe Rothwell has demonstrated under Farke over the last couple of months.
The 30-year-old, who’s on loan from Bournemouth, often had to settle for minutes off the bench during the first few games of the season but has emerged as a vital player for the side as of late.
He was recalled to the side last night after dropping to the bench in the defeat against Portsmouth, with his performance last night showing why Farke cannot make the same mistake again.
Rothwell featured for 87 minutes in the victory, partnering Tanaka at the base of the midfield, registering a total of 84 touches and completing 60 passes at a completion rate of 90%.
The loanee also completed 100% of the dribbles that he attempted and won 100% of the tackles he entered – highlighting his impressive ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder.
Minutes played
87
Touches
84
Passes completed
60/67 (90%)
Dribbles completed
3/3 (100%)
Tackles won
1/1 (100%)
Passes into final third
14
Aerials won
1/1 (100%)
Rothwell produced numerous neat touches to get himself out of a tricky position, with his passing range enabling him to make 14 passes into the final third – providing players in front of him with the chance to shine.
As a result of his showing, he was subsequently handed a 9/10 match rating by Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson, another indication of how impressive he was against the Lions.
Ilia Gruev appears to face a struggle to regain his starting role after Rothwell’s showing last night, with the midfielder the perfect partner for Tanaka – with his skillset vital to the club’s chances of promotion.
If Farke is to achieve his third Championship title come the end of the campaign, it’s pivotal he continues to utilise the loanee at the heart of the side, with Rothwell having the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch during the vital run-in.
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