PBP: Derby County v. Leeds, Championship, 1/11/19 (Duane Holmes starting)

Holmes gets on the end of a cross and puts a weak header from 13 yards or so on target, but right at the keeper. Good run.

Again, no one from Derby switched to cover his position, so they almost got hit on the counter down the wing.

 

Derby's going to concede again if they don't fix their defensive shape. Holmes was just left alone to defend 3 Leeds players for like, 5 seconds.

 

Oh ouch.

Holmes juggles through two defenders, gets into the six-yard box, and takes a cleat to the face from a leaping goalkeeper.

No foul, of course. This league is awful.

 

Holmes just clowned half of Leeds team and the keeper kicks him in the face. Probably should be sent off, but refs are stupid when it comes to keepers.

 

Like any good American soccer player, Holmes looks like he has a pretty good throw on him.

 

Nugent doesn’t half mind having a pop. Too bad he’s rarely close.

 

The last 15 minutes have been largely uneventful. Derby used all 3 subs and Holmes is still out there.

He has been their best player tonight. Still not a great performance (6.5/10, maybe?), but better than the rest of these clowns.

 

Holmes just tried to play a 40-yard diagonal ball with his left foot. It didn't connect, but I like that he had the confidence to try it.

 

This game could have had 2 or 3 reds and a couple of penalties. 5 yellows instead.

Final: Leeds 2 - 0 Derby

Holmes improved a lot in the second half. His passing was still bad, but he was a lot more successful on the dribble as defenders tired out.

This was the first time I've watched him, and while I can't say that I was impressed, exactly, I can say that he is fun to watch. He might bring a different element to the national team's wide play if he can establish himself as a club-level regular. Hard to say without more chances to watch him.