Leeds United certainly made the most of their youth system last season. The Whites made a habit of supplementing their first-team with their best young talent from the under-23s squad and as a result, a number of youngsters managed to pick up valuable Premier League game time.
However, as a side the under-23s were relegated from Premier League 2 Division 1 into the second tier of youth football and they’ll be keen to bounce back quickly with success on the field in the new under-21s format.
The Whites learned their Papa John’s Trophy opponents earlier this week with trips to Bolton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra lined up and their league fixtures will be released later this summer.
Here, Leeds Live look at the best under-21 side the club could name moving into the new season.
Read more: The England under-21 star who is a risk worth taking for Leeds United
Goalkeeper: Kristoffer Klaesson
The Norwegian shot-stopper made his Leeds debut last season, appearing in the Whites’ 3-2 win over Wolves at Molineux and while he could be named regularly on the bench once more next season, he is still just 21.
Right-back: Cody Drameh
Drameh won Cardiff City’s player of the season last year after catching the eye with the Championship club. Cardiff were thought to be keen on taking the defender back to Wales over the summer, but as it stands the 20-year-old remains at Elland Road.
Centre-back: Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell will be hoping most of his 2022-23 game time comes at first-team level, either at Leeds or on loan. He’s an established England under-21 international with six caps to his name and he certainly has a bright future ahead of him.
Centre-back: Leo Fuhr Hjelde
The former Celtic man has two Premier League appearances to his name and he is thought of highly at Elland Road. However, he’s still only 18-year-old, and is likely to feature for the under-21s with regularity next season.
Left-back: Liam McCarron
Another to make a Premier League debut last time around, McCarron spent much of last season playing at left-back for the under-23s. He’s not 22 until March but he’ll certainly been keen to kick on this year.
Centre-midfield: Lewis Bate
Signed from Chelsea last summer, Bate started in the Premier League against the Blues last month to make just his third appearance at first-team level. He’s one of several in this side that may be looking for a loan move this season, but if he remains at Elland Road, he’ll feature prominently in the under-21s.
Centre-midfield: Jack Jenkins
Jenkins made 21 appearances for the youth team last season and he could be set for another busy season as the under-21s look to win promotion back to Division 1. The 20-year-old has two years remaining on his deal with the club and he’ll certainly be keen to prove himself.
Right wing: Crysencio Summerville
Summerville is another with first-team aspirations over the coming months, but given he is still only 20 he still qualifies for this line-up. The Dutchman made nine appearances in all competitions for the first-team last year and he’ll be keen to build on that this time around.
Attacking-midfield: Sam Greenwood
Greenwood certainly made a positive impression as he made his first start for the Whites in their final game at Brentford last season. That appearance came in a deeper centre-midfield role, but he’s more of an attacking player by trade and at 20 years of age, he’s one to keep an eye on.
Left wing: Amari Miller
Despite making five appearances for Birmingham City during the 2020-21 Championship campaign, Miller spent last season in Leeds’ youth squad. He’ll be desperate to continue his development this year, though, and perhaps catch the eye of Jesse Marsch.
Striker: Joe Gelhardt
Gelhardt played a key role for the Whites last year, showcasing his ability and potential in 20 Premier League appearances, of which five were starts. He’s been nominated for the Golden Boy award and the 20-year-old will be keen to tie down a regular spot under Marsch in the coming months.
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