Crysencio Summerville has spoken out about his January frustrations after being denied the opportunity to leave Leeds United on loan. Summerville is one of the stars of Amazon Prime’s latest docuseries ‘Academy Dreams: Leeds United’, which follows the Whites' youngest stars as they look to break through into the first-team at Elland Road.
Summerville was a regular in the club’s Under-23s last season under Mark Jackson and therefore his story is one of those told in the six-parter, which is available on the streaming platform now. The winger has been involved on a regular basis this season, stepping off the bench and looking to make an impact for Jesse Marsch's side.
However, he found chances hard to come by under Marcelo Bielsea and he ended the 2021-22 campaign with just six Premier League appearances under his belt. That lack of game time led Summerville to push for a loan move away in the January transfer window and, speaking on the docuseries, he has moved to explain his mindset at the time.
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“When I’m seeing my teammates going into the first-team, it’s like, ‘yeah, we can do it, the future is bright’,” Summerville can be heard saying on Academy Dreams. “Everything is possible and it’s not like you’re far away, but sometimes when you’re young you think ‘the opportunity is so far, I won’t get a chance’.
“I wanted to play more first-team football and I respect Marcelo Bielsa and that he didn’t choose me for some games. We had a conversation and I asked to leave on loan for six months to get some first team minutes.
“I spoke with him a lot about my behaviour and how I can act off the pitch as well. I think the main thing is you have to be patient and that’s hard for a young lad.”
Bielsa parted ways with Leeds back in February with the Whites sliding towards relegation. Summerville, though, remains thankful for the impact the Argentinian made on his fledgling career.
“It came as a shock for everyone because of what he has done for the club,” he added about Bielsa’s sacking. “I want to thank him for the opportunities he gave me, the trust in me.
“He is the coach who gave me my debut in the Premier League so I will never forget it. I’m grateful for the opportunities he gave me.”
Academy Dreams: Leeds United is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.
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