Find out how Leeds United’s players rated against Everton in tonight’s Premier League clash
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
21:59, 26 Jan 2026
James Justin of Leeds United celebrates scoring(Image: Getty Images)
Leeds United had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Everton in a true game of two halves, with the visitors still waiting for their first Premier League away win since September.
The Whites deserved their half time lead having dominated the play and worked a terrific team goal with James Justin finding the net just before the half-hour mark.
But after half time, Leeds allowed Everton to get a foothold and they struggled to find the out-ball, only inviting more pressure. Thierno Barry made them pay with just over 10 minutes to go, beating a lax Sebastiaan Bornauw to a cross.
Daniel Farke left it late to make his second raft of changes and they couldn’t provide the impact needed. Here are how the players rated.
Karl Darlow – Produced a brilliant save to deny Iliman Ndiaye just after the hour mark before grabbing hold of a powerful follow-up moments later. 8
Jayden Bogle – One of his best displays this season in the first half – at one point being surrounded by four players and still managing to find the pass. Successful going forward, often found in the final third. But was pinned back in the second half and couldn’t get forward as much. 8
Joe Rodon – Being strong in the duel led to the opener. Aside from a sloppy pass before half-time, he stood up to what was thrown at him in the main. 8
Sebastiaan Bornauw – Lost a few duels but always had someone to bail him out. Always looked like he was playing catch up though made a terrific block to stop Iliman Ndiaye in the second half but then allowed Barry to get in ahead of him for the goal. 7
Pascal Strujik – Spooned an early shot that went over but was composed and calm throughout. Brought the ball out and minded Thierno Barry well, until his goal. 8
James Justin – Powered in his first Premier League goal for Leeds. Held his position well, got his foot in and was diligent in choosing when to attack. Almost a nine rating but gave away a sloppy ball that Everton almost scored from. 8
Anton Stach – Clever in bursts, be it a cross – assisting the opener – or moving the ball up. Needs to cut out these late challenges and the yellow cards that result from them. Faded in the second half. 7
Ethan Ampadu – The linchpin in midfield in the first half and the central mop in the second. Long throws were mixed and didn’t have as much of a grip after half time. 7
Ilia Gruev – One hesitant moment between him and Darlow but he was one reason why Leeds were able to control the midfield before half-time. Was caught out a few times, though and was taken off after getting a yellow card. 7
Brenden Aaronson – Brilliant first half display. Some lovely, neat touches in the final third and got out of Justin’s path in time. Confidence is sky high although that does nothing for you when you run out of energy, like he did in the second half. 8
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Had an early poke at goal but had to bide his time afterwards. Will feel he should have scored his six-yard effort that came off the post. Won the lion’s share of his battles in the first but was virtually out of the game in the second. 7
SUBS
Ao Tanaka (on 66′ for Gruev) – Got his foot in and tried to steer the midfield direction but was often forced sideways or back. 7
Sean Longstaff (on 85′ for Bornauw) – Came on too late for a rating. N/A.
Noah Okafor (on 85′ for Stach) – Came on too late for a rating. N/A.
Facundo Buonanotte (on 85′ for Aaronson) – Came on too late for a rating. N/A.
MANAGER: Daniel Farke – Got his starting tactics spot on, with Leeds dominating the first 45 minutes, but left his second raft of substitutes far too late. An opportunity missed or not seized – or both. 7
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