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Looking at the scoreline, you’d think Bristol City would have nothing to celebrate coming away from Elland Road, but one player did his reputation no harm at all.
With Leeds United chasing down the Championship title, it was always going to be a tough night for Bristol City.
Nobody quite expected the dominant display the Whites pulled out of the bag, though, with Daniel Farke’s men being ruthless enough to put the Robins to the sword time and time again in a 4-0 win.
While the likes of Joel Piroe and Largie Ramazani stole the show and take all the headlines, there is one Bristol City man who can hold his head high.
Max O’Leary was ‘outstanding’ versus Leeds United
He earned the best score in our Bristol City player ratings from Elland Road, and now, Max O’Leary has been receiving widespread praise on social media for his valiant display in goal against the onslaught of chances created by the home side.
The club’s own account on Twitter/X recognised O’Leary for his “super saves” in the second half, and fans and neutrals alike shared similar sentiments.
Josh Bunting wrote: “Max O’Leary in my opinion is the most underrated goalkeeper in the Championship. He’s top class, outstanding reactions. Reads the danger very smartly, outstanding shot-stopper. I don’t believe he gets enough credit whatsoever.”
One fan said, “Every time I watch Max O’Leary, he turns into prime Buffon,” while another added, “Max O’Leary, stunning goalkeeping that.”
Others took to Twitter to offer wild praise for the Bristol City stopper, with one account saying, “Sweet screaming Jesus Max O’Leary,” and another adding, “Max O’Leary is always pulling off miraculous saves at Bristol City. He already deserves a bigger challenge.”
Bristol City fans got in on the love for O’Leary, with one writing: “George Earthy and Max O’Leary the only City players to leave with heads held high.”
Another added: “Big shout out to Max O’Leary. He kept us in the game with big save. Man of the match performance.”
Sadly, O’Leary was let down by Bristol City’s abysmal defending, but he may well have booked himself a new challenge for next season after that performance.
Have Leeds United just found their new number one goalkeeper?
Interestingly, O’Leary has just one year left on his current deal at Ashton Gate, and after that display, he is no longer a secret talent but the kind of player who must surely be on everyone’s radar as a top candidate for any club needing a new number one goalkeeper.
Speaking of, Leeds United are not exactly blessed in that department. We know Leeds need to replace Illan Meslier in the summer, after the Frenchman’s horrific showings this season.
While Karl Darlow has come in and done a good job for the Whites, he is hardly Premier League quality, and we wonder now whether Farke may have been looking at O’Leary and thinking what he could do for his side.
Bristol City will of course hope to offer O’Leary top flight football themselves, but if they fail in their attempt to win the Championship play-offs, surely the impressive ‘keeper will be on the move.