In what has been a season of ups-and-downs for Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, one of his brightest stars that he has been able to count on time and time again in recent weeks has been Crysencio Summerville.
The 21-year-old has established himself at first team level and was the hero as the Whites claimed their first win at Liverpool in 21 years at the end of October. Marsch has tried to keep his youngsters level-headed, grounded and ready for anything while getting them the vital minutes at what is a key point in their development as players.
And Summerville is no exception.
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"He wants to keep me sharp, to keep going," Summerville admitted in an interview with Sportsmail. "I am young and still learning, but I have to keep in check with the older players. He is watching me."
The Dutchman has been something of a pet project for Marsch since the American joined in February this year. Before his arrival, former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa was ready to give up on Summerville and the player even asked to leave the club in January after he failed to make a start in the Premier League under the Argentinian.
However, after being convinced to stay by the Whites hierarchy, he's experienced something of a regeneration under Marsch - but only after being given the minutes necessary to prove himself worthy of a place.
Following the late drama at Anfield, Marsch was the one to speak to Summerville first, telling him he's keeping his eyes on him to ensure the youngster's standards didn't slip below what he expected.
And while Marsch would later tell the press about Summerville's tardiness and lack of focus in team meetings, regular 30-minute individual meetings with the boss seem to be getting the best out of the Dutchman
Summerville said: "He is busy with the young players. He always told me that if you work hard for me, I will work hard for you to get you in the team, so that is what I am doing.
"Even when you are young, you have to deliver every training to show the coach what you can do. If you work hard here, then you get a chance. You have seen it with Willy (Gnonto), Joffy (Joe Gelhardt) and Sam Greenwood."
After scoring in each of their last four league matches, Summerville looks to be on his way up the pecking order under the American. If he can make the difference in their first match back against Manchester City on December 28 to repay the trust placed in him, Leeds fans will certainly be singing his name.
"Hopefully! The other goals have been nice but they are in the past," he said. "This is just the beginning. Hopefully I can get my form back and I will score many, many goals."
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