Leeds United returned to pre-season training this morning as they begin their preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The Whites will have six weeks to get themselves ready before the season opener against Wolves and Jesse Marsch will be hoping to see plenty of progress in his side between now and then.
Some players will be keen to prove a point to Marsch with their performances in pre-season, while others will be attempting to catch the head coach’s eye after struggling for game time last time around. Here, Leeds Live take a look at some of those Leeds players who will be desperate to get their foot in the door this summer.
Crysencio Summerville
Summerville is approaching a pivotal point in his career as he chases first-team minutes and this pre-season could be absolutely crucial for him. He made just six league appearances for the Whites last season and he’ll be desperate to kick on this time around and become a regular at Elland Road.
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Marsch has already underlined his keenness to give the 20-year-old game time, but unfortunately injury prevented him from doing that last season. As such, he’ll be keeping a close eye on Summerville’s progress over the coming weeks as he considers how best to use his considerable talent.
However, much may depend on his performances in pre-season training. A strong showing over the coming weeks could see Summerville leapfrog a few of his teammates in Marsch’s pecking order, but failure to impress may result in the Dutchman struggling for chances come the start of the season.
Ian Poveda
It’s fair to say Poveda’s loan move to Blackburn Rovers last season did not go to plan. The 22-year-old was going relatively well at Ewood Park after leaving the Whites for the Championship club, but his progress was brought to a shuddering halt when he fractured his ankle in November, ruling him out for five months.
Poveda returned to Blackburn once he had regained fitness and Marsch spoke highly of him after seeing him briefly in training. He’ll be watching his progress closely over the coming weeks, too, as he assesses whether he has a role to play in the team.
The former Man City man is another at a make-or-break point of his career and if he can impress the American head coach, he may well be able to find a permanent home in the Whites side.
Sam Greenwood
Eyebrows were raised when Greenwood was named in Leeds’ starting XI on the final day of the season, but, despite the pressure of the relegation battle, he more than looked at home in a central midfield role. He’s been active on social media since then, showcasing his workout routines and efforts to keep fit and he’ll be desperate to kick on over the next few months.
His efforts to return to Thorp Arch in shape will have been appreciated by Marsch, who is clearly a fan of the former Arsenal man. He’ll almost certainly be one the head coach will be working closely with over pre-season to develop his game and help him play a regular role in the team.
Lewis Bate
Bate was another to post images of his off-season work on social media and after making his debut last season, he will be doing all he can to impress Marsch over the next six weeks. The England under-20 international made three Premier League appearances last season, including a start against Chelsea, his former club, last month and he is regarded as one of the most promising young players currently at the club.
If he can make a positive impression on Marsch once more in pre-season, he could be one to benefit from the rule change to allow five substitutions in the Premier League as he looks to make progress. However, he may also be given the chance to go out on loan to a Championship club, which would certainly see the youngster tested.
Cody Drameh
Unlike Poveda, Drameh found plenty of joy in the Championship last season after linking up with Cardiff City on loan for second half of last season. He went on to make 22 appearances for the club and he managed to leave South Wales with the Bluebirds’ player of the season and young player of the season awards.
As such, he returns to Leeds with plenty of confidence and a determination to fight for a spot in the side under Marsch. Of course, the Whites have signed Rasmus Kristensen this summer, while they also have Luke Ayling, but Drameh will fancy his chances of competing with them for a run at right-back.
Marsch will be keen to get a first look at him and the 20-year-old will want to show the head coach what he’s all about.
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