10 Jun 2021 10:29:33
I am sad to read of Mateus Boghusz talking of a move away. It seems that he is a little disheartened and for me he is one of 19/ 20 crop that promised so much. If he is to be loaned out I pray it is to a Championship side (who will play him) that plays the Leeds style (or similar) . I fear however that he is out of favour and cannot seem to be in Bielsas thoughts. The other one around which is a question marl would be Alfie McCalmont. What happens next?


1.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 10:47:44
Agreed Leodis. Now that we have been promoted, it’s going to become so much harder for these lads to break through, and build their careers with us. It’s only going to be the really special ones who manage to do so, but I hope we continue with a massive focus on the academy, as it can both save, and make a lot of money.
I’m afraid that a lot of promising U23’s will be leaving us permanently.


2.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 11:38:58
It's difficult to foresee any of Leeds U23s genuinely breaking into the first 11 given the EPL standard.

Struick has been a real find and very pleasant surprise.

But who else if anyone will emulate him? Baby Shack hasn't done so last season.

If Gelhardt, Greenwood and Somerville continue to improve they have a chance.

I think Charlie Cresswell and Cody Drameh could also do so but we are strong in their positions in the first team.


3.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 11:51:00
Agreed lads but here's the cleft stick. The only way you know if the will blossom is to play them but you cannot play them because they have not quite blossomed. Who would have known Struijk would look so composed before we threw him in.


4.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 11:51:40
. and not forgetting Alfie MacAlmont too, he has done well with performances, goals and assists in lower leagues last season

and recently played at full international level for Northern Ireland:

but does Bielsa rate him highly enough?


5.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 12:18:10
These players all still have a long way to go imo. The next step is loans lower league sides or to he introduced from the bench and learn that way but I can't see any of them being in the team regularly next season.


6.) 10 Jun 2021
10 Jun 2021 19:37:10
If they are as good as everyone says and thinks then there must be a queue for their services. It is then up to us to pick the club with the right system.


7.) 11 Jun 2021
11 Jun 2021 09:24:51
It will be interesting to see which U23 players are sent out on loan for ‘meaningful games’ etc, and which kept here to play in Prem 2 League 1 against the youngsters from other top Prem Teams. I guess those that went out last season are likely to be loaned again at a higher level, but then Struijk transitioned to the first team without being loaned out.

With regards to McCalmont, if Bielsa and Orta think he is more likely to get consistent game-time from stepping up just one Division to League One they could possibly do worse than sounding out Bolton Wanderers. I never thought I’d ever say those words about one of our U23 players, given that Club is almost synonymous with long ball football, but Ian Evatt got them promoted through playing possession based football. Presumably that Club will also be keen to get up to the Championship ASAP, and you would have thought they’d feel that having a current Northern Ireland international driving play from deep could only help them in that. Playing for a former Prem club in League 1 will give its own pressures of expectations from fans, which would be beneficial for Alfie’s development.


8.) 11 Jun 2021
11 Jun 2021 09:45:09
Apparently Evatt has studied our style of play very closely and has even adopted Bielsa’s murderball within Bolton’s training!