As with the fans view we do for each game I have compiled one reviewing the performances of the players over the first month of the season.
Lonergan 8
He looks a much better all round goalkeeper than Kasper Schmeichel in my opinion. The defence also seemed to have a much more confidence in his ability.
Rachubka 5
Only had the one game against Doncaster in the cup but looks an able understudy to Lonergan.
Connolly 5
Was a reliable defender last season that just went about his business with no fuss. He looks off the pace this season and as been rightfully replaced by Tom Lees. I cannot see him getting back in the side.
Lees 7
A much better option as right full back who as a few more strings to his bow than Connolly. He can also get forward and is a fantastic crosser of a ball. Already score for the club and I can see him chipping in with quite a few this season. He is still a little naïve in his defensive duties. The Middlesbrough goal was an example when he allowed Emnes to cut back inside him onto his stronger foot. I think Kisnorbo will help him improve his defending.
Kisnorbo 7
It is great to see him back playing regularly. He still looks a little short of full match fitness after such a long lay off. He is getting better with every game and his experience is a huge factor in him doing well in each game.
O`Brien 3
Whilst Kisnorbo is using his experience to get him through games whilst not 100% fit, O`Brien is not. It is clear that he is not fully fit and he looks a shadow of the player we first brought in on loan last season. I have been much happier with Bromby or O`Dea alongside Kisnorbo.
O`Dea 6
I am still not fully convinced with O`Dea although he looks much more comfortable at centre back than left full back. He has taken over the mantle of Kilkenny as team whinger.
Bromby 6
I thought Bromby looked much better at the back than O`Brien but suffered an injury when he had just got himself into the side.
White 7
I have to be honest I am not sure about White as a left back. He does look much fitter and stronger this season but I still think he will struggle to cope when faced with a fast tricky winger. He was very unlucky to get sent off at the weekend.
Parker 5
Already on the sidelines this season and I just do not think he will ever be 100% fit. When he does get back, I think he needs to spend three months away on loan to get games and fitness.
Taylor 6
He looks more than capable at left back and for a youngster he is built like a brick outhouse. I can see him getting a period away from Leeds on loan, as is the Grayson way.
Howson 6
He has been steady so far and he has found himself in a more withdrawn midfield position since the introduction of Keogh to the side. I can see him and Clayton striking up a fantastic partnership over the season.
Clayton 9 Player of the Month
It has been great to see a midfielder in the middle of the pitch work tirelessly. Up and down the pitch, good tackler, good passer and already shown he will score a few goals. Bee our best player in nearly every game he has played. He reminds me of Lee Bowyer and I would say he is the best midfielder we have had at the club since Bowyer left.
Brown 6
I have been disappointed with Brown since his arrival. Another player who doesn`t look fully fit and now on the treatment table. I cannot see him getting back into the side whilst Howson and Clayton are fit.
Snodgrass 6
A few glimpses of the Snodgrass we have witnessed over the past few seasons in the first month but he is still a way off the player that was excellent around the Christmas period last season.
Gradel 6
Gradel works hard for the side and still looks dangerous whenever he has the ball. I can only give him a six though for his stupid sending off against Middlesbrough and the penalty miss at West Ham.
Nunez 8
He finally has his chance this season and he has scored five goals in six appearances, with only three of those starts. From his three starts he has five goals and he made the difference at Doncaster with two fantastic strikes. He has been very unlucky to be left out of the starting line up after good performances. I hope he is sorted out with a new contract in the next few weeks as he is out of contract next summer. A ready replacement if we lose Snodgrass or Gradel.
Sam 6
It is good to see him back around the first team squad. He is only fourth choice at the moment with Snodgrass, Gradel and Nunez ahead of him. A decent impact player to have coming off the bench hen needed.
Thompson 6
It is great to see Grayson finally given the youngsters a chance and Thompson looks capable in midfield.
McCormack 7
He looks a much better striker now he has somebody playing alongside him who can do the rough and tumble work of a striker. Some people still do not seem impressed, but six goals in his last nine competitive games for Leeds is a great strike rate.
Keogh 7
He has made a huge difference since his arrival. Holds the ball up well, got a good turn of speed and very skilful. His biggest downfall is he will not score many goals for a striker. If he can help others score them though, I will be happy with that. Going to be very interesting to see what Grayson does once Luciano Becchio is fit.
Paynter 4
‘Barn door Billy` hasn`t been seen since a substitute`s appearance on the opening day. He missed a great chance to get Leeds back into that game and he isn`t good enough for the championship. With so many other options in attack, once Becchio is fully fit I see no future for him at Leeds. It is time for him to start worrying someone else`s fans in row z.
Summary
I am glad that we have seen the emergence of players like Lees, Clayton and Nunez and some of the youngsters are also getting a sniff around the first team. I think we need a left full back and I am not 100% happy with the centre back partnership. I would like to see somebody else alongside Kisnorbo whilst he gets himself back to full fitness. Maybe I am just being optimistic that Kisnorbo can return to being the player he was before his injury. Maybe it is too much to ask after so long out. I think we have a side capable of being very competitive in the division but we are once again getting no rub of the green with refereeing decisions that have cost us at least four points already this season. Those points at the moment are the difference between a side in the top eight and one in the bottom six.
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