After such a gruelling season both physically and mentally, the Leeds United squad would’ve perhaps been forgiven for putting their feet up this summer. The Whites remained in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth after beating Brentford 2-1 on the final day to climb out of the bottom three.
But one man who is not content on easing off is Sam Greenwood, who has been posting several videos of him working hard both in the gym and out on the grass. The end of the season came at arguably the worst time for the 20-year-old after he was handed his first Premier League start at Brentford.
Despite having featured predominantly as either a striker, or number 10 in the U23s, Greenwood was handed a deeper midfield role in the capital. He was preferred in there ahead of Mateusz Klich, in what was Leeds’ biggest game since returning to the top-flight.
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This was a huge show of confidence in Greenwood’s ability by Jesse Marsch, who had already given him four appearances off the bench during his first few months in charge, while also claiming he was the player who had adapted best to his system. Greenwood repaid the faith Marsch showed in him at Brentford, displaying his ability both in and out of possession.
He will undoubtedly face even more competition for a starting spot next season, with Brenden Aaronson already signed and Marc Roca reportedly close to following him. Those two will strengthen two areas in Leeds’ midfield, but Greenwood is clearly keen to ensure he arrives at pre-season in the best possible shape.
Momentum is an important thing in football and so it is evident that he is looking to pick up where he left off in May. His off-season is showing shades of Jack Harrison a couple of years ago, who after a difficult first campaign at Elland Road, put in the hard yards during his time off and came back a different player.
Not only did his efforts win the plaudits of supporters, but his performances went up a level in his second season at the club, and he now remains a consistent figure in the starting XI going into Leeds’ third year back in the Premier League. While the circumstances are certainly different between the two players, Greenwood will be hoping he can replicate Harrison’s success by putting in the hard work now, when others may have taken their foot off the gas.
