Leeds United and Jesse Marsch have shown plenty of faith in the ability of Crysencio Summerville this summer. The Whites didn’t just tie him down to a new long-term deal, they handed the Dutch youngster the club’s number 10 shirt to underline the promise and potential they believe he possesses.
It’s not hard to see where that belief in Summerville’s ability comes from, either. The winger has caught the eye with his performances in the club’s under-23 side since joining from Feyenoord and he has shown glimpses of his talent on the few occasions he has been entrusted with a first-team spot.
Of course, before this campaign chances at a senior level had been hard to come by for the 20-year-old, with just six Premier League outings coming last year. He made his frustrations heard and pushed for a loan move away in January in an attempt to develop his game and establish himself away from Elland Road, but United opted to keep him in West Yorkshire to monitor his progress.
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A strong pre-season campaign under Marsch brought him into the reckoning ahead of the club’s Premier League opener against Wolves and he has been involved in every match day squad up to now, making three appearances in all competitions. However, the club’s deadline day activity seems to have bolstered the winger’s standing within the senior group even further.
The decision to allow Dan James to join Fulham on loan without being able to bring a senior replacement through the door has been criticised by many. United got Willy Gnonto over the line, but the young Italy international isn’t expected to challenge for a regular first-team spot just yet, with Marsch admitting previously that Gnonto would be more of long-term project.
However, the call was yet another boost for Summerville, effectively ensuring he makes the step up the pecking order to become Leeds’ next cab off the rank in wide areas. That promotion was made clear on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford as Marsch could be seen looking in his direction before the hour mark.
Summerville replaced goalscorer Luis Sinisterra in the 59th minute of the contest and although Leeds were 3-1 down at the time, he looked to make an instant impact as he tested Aaron Hickey with his speed with the ball. The winger was unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty, too, after appearing to be brought down in the area at a pivotal moment of the game.
Referee Robert Jones waved away Leeds’ appeals, though, and was eventually forced to send an enraged Jesse Marsch to the stands after the decision was not reassessed by VAR. Summerville continued to play his part in a Leeds rally in west London, but the result was put beyond doubt as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa rounded off the Bees’ 5-2 win.
The competition for places in Marsch’s front four is intense, with Sinisterra and Jack Harrison leading the way on the edges at present and Summerville will have to wait to get his chance from the off. However, opportunities off the bench look set to become frequent for the Netherlands under-21 international.
The door is open for him to take strides and firmly establish himself within Marsch’s senior set-up and he simply must take this opportunity with both hands.
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