Barnsley FC v Leeds United U21s player ratings as Whites edge seven-goal EFL Trophy thriller

Barnsley endured a difficult start to their EFL Trophy campaign as Leeds United Under-21s claimed an entertaining 4-3 victory at Oakwell, with several of the visitors’ young prospects producing standout performances.

Despite naming a side containing a number of players with senior experience, Daniel Stendel’s Barnsley found themselves comprehensively outplayed during the opening period. Leeds showed composure beyond their years, racing into a three-goal lead before surviving a spirited second-half comeback from the hosts.

Leeds youngsters take control at Oakwell

Callum Mills was at the centre of Leeds’ impressive attacking display. The teenager, who featured for the senior side during pre-season, scored twice before the interval as Barnsley struggled defensively.

Josh McDonald also found the net to help Leeds establish a commanding three-goal advantage at half-time.

Mills completed his hat-trick after the restart, but Barnsley eventually found a response. Jack Shepherd scored with a composed finish before substitute Amani Richards added another.

Luca Connell then struck an impressive third to give the hosts genuine hope of completing the comeback. Leeds, however, held on to secure a 4-3 victory.

Barnsley player ratings

Starting XI

Kieran Flavell — 4/10: Deceived badly for Leeds’ opening goal and struggled to recover his composure as the visitors took control.

Noah Saunders — 5/10: Looked uncomfortable during the opening half and was replaced at the interval.

Jubril Okedina — 5/10: One of Barnsley’s more reliable defenders on a difficult evening. Produced an excellent goal-line block in the first half.

Jack Shepherd — 5/10: His experience did not prevent some uncertain defending, although he contributed at the other end with a well-taken goal.

Robson Woodcock — 4/10: Lost concentration too frequently and allowed Harvey Vincent considerable freedom on Leeds’ right flank.

Jonathan Bland — 4/10: Has previously impressed in senior football but struggled to impose himself against Leeds’ youthful midfield.

Luca Connell — 5/10: Unable to dictate proceedings as Barnsley might have expected, although his excellent second-half strike helped fuel the comeback.

Clayton Taylor — 5/10: Another experienced player who struggled to exert enough influence on the contest.

Luke Alker — 5/10: Failed to make a convincing case for increased senior involvement and was substituted at half-time.

Leo Farrell — 5/10: Worked to find attacking openings but struggled to make a significant impact before being withdrawn at the break.

Ben Hamed Toure — 4/10: Uncomfortable in possession and unable to provide enough without the ball. Replaced at half-time.

Barnsley substitutes

Noah Town — 6/10: Added energy after coming on but had limited influence on the overall contest.

Rylan Brownlie — 6/10: Worked hard and nearly made an immediate impact with a header early in the second half.

Amani Richards — 8/10: Transformed Barnsley’s attacking threat with his direct running and skill. Took his goal confidently and caused Leeds significant problems.

Vimal Yoganathan — 7/10: Added quality in midfield and was unfortunate to hit the woodwork following an excellent turn inside the penalty area.

Kieran Graham — 6/10: Provided plenty of effort after his introduction but offered relatively little attacking threat.

Leeds United U21 player ratings

Young Whites impress in EFL Trophy victory

Rory Mahady — 7/10: Produced several excellent saves and commanded his penalty area effectively before Barnsley’s late resurgence.

Freddie Lane — 7/10: Used his physical strength intelligently and regularly moved into difficult areas for Barnsley to defend.

Roman Egan-Riley — 8/10: Strong in his individual battles and remained composed despite facing opponents with considerable League One experience.

Louis Enahoro-Marcus — 7/10: Looked assured for much of the contest, although Leeds became increasingly vulnerable during Barnsley’s second-half fightback.

Louie Philpott — 6/10: Handled Clayton Taylor effectively for long periods but found Richards a much more demanding opponent after the break.

Alfie Cresswell — 9/10: Delivered an outstanding display and demonstrated why he has already attracted first-team attention. Looked comfortable throughout.

Oliver Pickes — 8/10: Used possession efficiently and helped Leeds control Barnsley’s experienced midfield for significant periods.

Harvey Vincent — 9/10: A constant threat down the right flank. Registered two assists with precise deliveries and repeatedly caused problems when in possession.

Rhys Chadwick — 8/10: Demonstrated excellent movement and creativity, regularly looking capable of unlocking the Barnsley defence with incisive passing.

Josh McDonald — 8/10: Finished with a goal and an assist while remaining lively throughout the evening.

Callum Mills — 9/10: The standout attacking performer. Having impressed during Leeds’ pre-season tour of the United States, the teenager again demonstrated his potential by scoring a stylish hat-trick while operating as a makeshift forward.

Leeds prospects make their mark

Barnsley’s late recovery gave the home supporters something to take from an otherwise frustrating evening, but the damage inflicted during the first half proved decisive.

For Leeds United, the performance offered another encouraging glimpse of the talent developing below first-team level. Mills, Cresswell and Vincent were particularly impressive as the young Whites combined attacking quality with enough resilience to withstand Barnsley’s late pressure and secure a 4-3 EFL Trophy victory at Oakwell.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.