A round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines this evening on Tuesday, November 8.
Sam Greenwood tipped for new midfield role at Leeds United
Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood is being tipped for a midfield role by former striker Noel Whelan. The former Sunderland and Arsenal youngster arrived at Thorp Arch as a striker but has since dropped into a deeper role and scored an important goal in the comeback against Bournemouth.
“I think this role is his best role now," Whelan told Football Insider. “I remember seeing him start against Arsenal – I thought he was a striker. He came into the club as a striker and played in the Under-23s as a striker.
“But he likes to play in between the opposition lines, picking up that space in between midfield and defence. He likes to get around, he likes to be athletic – but he’s still got a striker’s instinct. We saw that with his goal – it was great technique.
“That goal gave us the belief. He will be very important for Leeds United. If he has another good game against Wolves in the League Cup, he will be full of confidence. These young players coming through have the quality which is going to help us for the rest of the season.”
Leeds United U21s on track as Whites see recruitment success, Joseph joy and goals galore
Leeds United U21s have reached the half way stage of their season and they head into the World Cup break in a comfortable position. The Whites are six points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table and having dropped just two points all season, they’re well on their way towards promotion back to the top tier.
As they begin their two-month winter break, Leeds Live take a look back at some of the talking points to emerge from the season so far.
On track
It’s fair to say Michael Skubala will be happy with his side’s efforts since he arrived at the club at the end of July. They won 5-2 in their opening game against Derby County and that set the tone for what has been a superb season so far.
The Whites were disappointed to fall out of Division 1 last season, but, as they sit on top of the table with a six-point cushion, they’re en route towards bouncing back at the first time of asking. They’ve dominated some teams, high scoring wins over Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Stoke City jump immediately to mind, but they’ve had to grind out a few results, too.
Leeds United star sets Premier League season record with impressive Bournemouth assist
Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto set a season record in the Premier League with his assist for Crysencio Summerville against Bournemouth on Saturday. The 19-year-old's run before providing the pass for Summerville's winner was the longest carry (58 metres) leading to a goal in the Premier League this season.
Gnonto was making his first appearance at Elland Road at the weekend after coming off the bench for Jack Harrison at half time. His performance showed some huge signs of promise and his assist for the winning goal was a sign of both his quality and maturity as a player despite his age.
Gnonto received the ball from just outside his own penalty area thanks to a well cushioned header by captain Liam Cooper. In what was a frantic game, rather than clearing the ball just aimlessly up the pitch, Gnonto decided to drive beyond two Bournemouth challenges and into the attacking half.
Leeds United among 10 Premier League clubs to send scouts to major European clash
Leeds United were reportedly one of 10 Premier League clubs to send scouts to PSV Eindhoven's trip to Ajax at the weekend. PSV ran out 2-1 winners at the Johan Cruijff Arena in the top of the table clash, with Luuk de Jong and Erick Gutierrez on the scoresheet before Lorenzo Lucca's late consolation.
According to 90min.com, the majority of the clubs in attendance were casting a watchful eye on PSV's Cody Gakpo, who Leeds have a well documented interest in. The Whites reportedly came close to signing him on deadline day and were keen to reignite their interest in the January window.
However, thanks to his superb early season form - with 13 goals and 16 assists in all competitions already - a deal now looks unlikely for Leeds as Gakpo sets his sights higher on a move to a club with European ambitions. Gakpo has also been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, who were among the other sides in attendance at the weekend.
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