To say Leeds United U21s have enjoyed a successful start to the season would be an understatement. The Whites currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table having dropped just two points and at present they are well on their way towards promotion back to the top flight.
Michael Skubala’s side managed to impress in the Papa John’s Trophy, too, but they couldn’t quite get over the line to secure their spot in the next round of the competition. Here’s a look at Skubala’s best U21 players so far this season and how ready they are for the first-team.
Goalkeeper: Kristoffer Klaesson
The goalkeeper is a part of the first-team set-up, but as he hasn’t had a minute of senior action this season, he has been dropping down in the youth side on a fairly regular basis. He’s highly thought of at Thorp Arch but his chances of playing for the first-team this season look slim while Illan Meslier and Joel Robles are both fit.
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Right-back: Cody Drameh
Again, Drameh didn’t start the season as in the U21s set-up, but he dropped down in September following the return to action of Luke Ayling and he’s played in all seven youth team games since. He’s ready for first-team football, that’s widely accepted, but with Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling ahead of him in the pecking order, chances under Jesse Marsch look set to be few and far between.
Centre-back: Jeremiah Mullen
The defender hasn’t played since September through injury, but he started the campaign in great form and he’ll be keen to pick up where he left off on his return to action. James Debayo and Morten Spencer have also played at the back in Mullen’s absence and they have caught the eye at times, too.
Mullen still needs more time in the U21s set-up and the injury certainly hasn’t helped with his progression, but he’ll be striving to compete with the likes of Leo Hjelde upon his return.
Centre-back: Kris Moore
The 19-year-old has been consistent and reliable at the back for Skubala’s side, making 12 appearances in all competitions and often providing a steadying presence alongside younger teammates. He’s shown versatility, too, but his pathway into the first-team looks crowded right now, despite being named on the bench for last week’s Carabao Cup clash against Wolves.
Left-back: Harvey Sutcliffe
Sutcliffe is a right-back by trade but he produced a number of impressive performances at left-back before being ruled out for the season through injury. Depth at left-back is shallow throughout first team and U21 level and that might be the 19-year-old’s best route into the senior set-up if he’s comfortable with it.
Keenan Carole has also spent time in the left-back role this season and he recently made a comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Centre-midfield: Darko Gyabi
Gyabi’s talent is there for all to see and his path into the first-team fold is visible, too, with Marsch already looking to integrate him into the senior set-up. The former Manchester City youngster looked the part as he made his debut for the Whites at Molineux and he has featured on the bench a couple of times.
The Whites aren’t blessed with a huge amount of depth in the middle of the park, either, meaning one or two injuries could lead to a lot more chances for the 18-year-old.
Centre-midfield: Alfie McCalmont
At 22, he’s a little older than the rest of the group and that experience hasn’t always shown. However, McCalmont has found form in the last few weeks for the U21s, performing well in wins over Middlesbrough and Newcastle United. He was on the bench against Wolves earlier this month but the Northern Ireland international is down the pecking order.
Right-wing: Sonny Perkins
The forward was an instant hit at Thorp Arch after making the move from West Ham United over the summer. He bagged eight in his first seven for the U21s and he’s certainly on Marsch’s radar with the head coach speaking regularly about him to the press. Perkins made his club debut last week against Wolves and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him follow in the footsteps of Mateo Joseph and make his Premier League debut before the end of the campaign.
Attacking midfield: Charlie Allen
Allen has emerged as one of the U21s’ most impressive in recent weeks, despite moving across the field and playing several positions. The Northern Irish man looks the part technically and he has bags of pace. He has plenty of talent ahead of him at present but his versatility might aid his bid to catch Marsch’s eye.
Left-wing: Archie Gray
Gray hasn’t been seen at U21 level since the 6-2 win over Southampton back in August with a foot injury hampering his chances of game time. However, the 16-year-old is extremely well thought of and his inclusion on the club’s pre-season trip to Australia said it all about Marsch’s thoughts on him.
Striker: Mateo Joseph
Joseph already has 12 goals to his name this season and he earned a Premier League debut last Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur to suggest he isn’t far away from playing a regular role in the first-team. The Spaniard is likely to continue the season with the U21s for the most part but Marsch will be confident in his ability should he need to call on him again.
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