Leeds United Under-21s are in a dominant position in the league table, but they know they have plenty of hard work to do over the World Cup break. That’s according to Max Dean, who bagged a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday afternoon to see the Whites move six points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table.
Michael Skubala’s side have dropped just two points from their opening nine league games this season and they’ve scored a staggering total of 33 goals along the way, an average of 3.66 goals per game. Consequently, as they enter a two-month lay-off, they find themselves well and truly on track with promotion back to the top flight of English youth football the aim.
Dean has been in and out of the U21s side this season, making just five appearances in all competitions and Monday’s clash at Thorp Arch was his first start of the season. He certainly made the most of it, though, making the difference for the Whites in the second half against the Magpies.
Read more: Leeds United U21s player ratings as Max Dean stars to seal comfortable win over Newcastle
While Dean was obviously delighted with the goals, he won’t be completely satisfied until the Whites have achieved their goal.
“It was a tough start,” Dean told LUTV after the game. “They had a good press but we came out second half and we knew what we had to do.
“I got my goals so I’m happy but most importantly it’s the win for the team and we stay at the top of the league, that’s the overall aim. I’m made up. I couldn’t do it without the team, a few great balls played into me, so I’m not going to take any of the credit when they were all put on a plate for me.
“That’s what we’re here for, you saw when I scored and when Kris (Moore) scored, everyone is made up for everyone. We’re a selfless team and we’ll do everything for each other.
“When we’re back in we’ll hit it hard. We know what the aim is, to win the league, so we’re just going to carry on grafting until we achieve what we can.”
The U21s’ next game is scheduled to take place on January 9, when they take on Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane.
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