Noel Whelan has hinted Leeds United could have a ready-made Raphinha replacement already at the club in Crysencio Summerville. Summerville has enjoyed a breakthrough into the first team this season but has been reduced to short cameo appearances from the bench.
But that has not stopped him lighting it up for the under-23s though, as he has scored seven goals in 13 matches, despite the fact the majority of his appearances have been reduced to just 45 minutes. Summerville sent a timely reminder to Jesse Marsch in his last outing for the Young Whites by netting a hattrick in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, which prompted the American to give him some minutes for the first time under his tenure against Watford.
Worryingly for Leeds, though, talisman Raphinha has already been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer which would leave a huge gap to fill in the side given his performances this season. But former Whites striker Whelan believes Summerville could be the man to do just that.
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Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It’s just a shame we’ve got so many top-class wingers at the minute. You look at Raphinha, you look at Harrison who are getting the goals. Dan James can come in there as well.
“Summerville’s doing everything that is required of him as a player to give the manager food for thought. He can’t be doing any more than what he’s doing. Great attitude, performance levels, scoring goals, getting assists.
“He is definitely one player that excites everybody and gets you on the edge of your seat. He’s very much like Raphinha and Harrison when he’s at his best. We are blessed with you some really fantastic wingers.
“He’s learning his trade with some other fantastic wingers there as well. I’m sure he’s getting many tips watching the likes of Dan James in training, Raphinha, Harrison. He’s putting all his skills into one basket as well.
“Look, he’s going to be a fantastic one for the future. He’s putting pressure on the wingers already. That is all you can ask of him. That is probably why Jesse Marsch is so impressed by his performances and character.”
