Leeds United have had an almost unprecedented injury crisis this season, which has compromised their ability to compete in the top division. As such, they have spent the majority of the season in the relegation battle and it hasn't been until a recent run of good form that they have managed to put a significant gap between themselves and the bottom three of the Premier League.
However, one benefit from the injury crisis has been that Leeds have been able to blood many of their high-potential young players. Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier had already become bonafide first-team players but 21/22 has seen Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh, Leo Hjelde, Lewis Bate, Liam McCarron and Stuart McKinstry make their Premier League debuts as well. While only a few of those players have made significant impacts on the first team, it is only the beginning of their journeys into top-level football.
As the season draws closer to the end and with the Whites looking almost safe in the division, debates will begin around the end of season awards. Here are LeedsLive's suggestions of the top-five candidate for the young player of the season award:
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Illan Meslier
The French goalkeeper hasn't quite hit the heights that he did in his first full season as the number one. He has made some high-profile errors, such as allowing Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick to squirm under him in the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
However, the Leeds defence has been so poor that he has faced an enormous amount of shots and often been left completely exposed. His performances are still to be admired and he remains one of the elite goalkeepers for his age. Perhaps he will not be the favourite for this award though.
Pascal Struijk
Sometimes it can be easy to forget that Struijk is still only 22 years old. The former Ajax centre back has played regularly over the last two seasons as Liam Cooper has struggled with injuries. However, like Meslier, he hasn't impressed as much in his second season in the Premier League.
Struijk seems to have been affected by the system breaking down in front of him and has looked a little nervous. This has been compounded by the return to fitness of Cooper, as Leeds look more assured with their Captain in the side, dominating in a way that Struijk was not.
The youngster still seems highly likely to be the future of the club at left centre back. However, the last few months have shown that he isn't quite ready to displace Cooper yet.
Joe Gelhardt
Surely the favourite for the award, Gelhardt's impact on the first team has been significant. The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut in October and has scored twice, assisted one and won two penalties.
Alongside the goal contributions, the forward has lifted the atmosphere of Elland Road on several occasions as there is palpable excitement when he steps onto the pitch. His confidence in taking players on and his overall dynamism make him look at home at the level. The only disappointment has been that he hasn't played more, with Jesse Marsch stating that he'd wanted to start the striker twice only for fitness issues to scupper that plan.
Charlie Cresswell
Injury issues at centre back presented Cresswell with an opportunity this season and a start in the EFL Cup against Fulham was followed by a start against West Ham in the Premier League, where the teenager impressed against Michail Antonio. He has been limited to substitute appearances since and had an injury of his own after dislocating his shoulder in training.
However, the Under-23s captain played 45 minutes against Wolves in the recent 3-2 comeback win. Whilst he looked almost a little too keen to impress at times, he settled down a played an important role as Leeds kept a clean sheet in the second half and picked up three important points. He will hope for more opportunities to impress next season.
Sam Greenwood
The former Arsenal youngster was very much on the periphery of the first team under Marcelo Bielsa. He started in the FA Cup loss at West Ham but only played a half and then made a substitute appearance against Arsenal when Leeds were decimated by injuries and Covid in December.
However, he has been given more chances under Jesse Marsch, and made two recent cameos in the wins against Wolves and Watford. In both, he was involved in crucial goals. He won't have played enough to be a genuine contender for this award but may well get more chances before the end of the season and could push himself ahead for more opportunities next season.
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