Leeds’ summer signings graded: Koch inconsistent, Raphinha showing small signs

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Leeds United made a number of summer signings this year and we have graded them based on their performances so far ahead of the latest international break.

Marcelo Bielsa was backed in the summer following promotion. Big signings came in such as Rodrigo Moreno, Raphinha, and Robin Koch, while the likes of Jack Harrison returned on loan and Joe Gelhardt arrived from Wigan.

The Leeds boss has opted, in the main, to try and blood his new players bit by bit, keeping faith with the majority of the squad who did well last season.

However, some have struggled more than others, while certain Leeds players have shown they might not be quite up to it just yet.

With that, here’s how we have graded the new Leeds signings’ performances so far this season.

Robin Koch – B-

Has summed up inconsistency really for Leeds this term. In games where they dominate, he’s looked good. In other games, he’s looked frightened to death of some of the top strikers in the league.

But Koch has done pretty well and has been thrust straight in by Bielsa. He should get better, too, meaning a B- is probably a fair reflection.

Raphinha – C

We’ve seen little from the trickster as yet but his cameo at Crystal Palace at the weekend suggested Leeds have a serious player on their hands.

Could get more game time in the coming months with Helder Costa not quite producing the goods.

Jack Harrison – B+

Probably one of the better signings of the summer and he didn’t cost anything. Harrison has gone from strength to strength in his loan spells at Elland Road and has been dangerous this term.

Should get better again throughout this campaign and is one of the key danger men for the Whites.

Diego Llorente – E

Big money, but we’ve yet to see Llorente in the Leeds XI. Given the defensive woes of the last few weekends, it probably won’t be long until we do see the Spaniard.

Should help the Leeds defence with his quality and will no doubt be much higher up the grade scale in a few months’ time.

Rodrigo Moreno – B-

Has he looked good at times? Yes. Has he looked like Spanish international who cost over £25m? Debatable.

The former Valencia man is quality, nobody denies it but he needs to do more and take more pressure off of Patrick Bamford. If he can do that, and start scoring, he should prove a fine addition.

Joe Gelhardt – B

If this was based purely on first-team appearances he wouldn’t appear but we have to mention Gelhardt because of his exceptional displays in the under-23 set up.

Goals, assists, and basically running games, it won’t be long until we see Gelhardt in the first-team at Leeds.

Illan Meslier – B+

One of the standout performers of the season for Leeds and has cemented himself as number one despite his tender years.

Won’t be happpy with the amount of goals he has let in but few have been his fault. At just 20, he’s been great and could well be the Leeds number one for a good decade and beyond at this rate.