Pathways into Leeds United’s first team from the under-23s have become a key talking point this season under Marcelo Bielsa.
In a campaign where injuries, Covid and suspension have played key roles in opening up slots in Bielsa’s matchday squads, the under-23s at Thorp Arch have been put under the microscope.
The youngsters Bielsa has chosen and overlooked throughout the season have generated debate about pecking orders and who may or may not be in favour with the head coach.
At one point or another, there has been discussion about Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate, Crysencio Summerville and more when it comes to who should and shouldn’t be playing.
These pathways and personnel were even referenced by chief executive Angus Kinnear in his final note on the January transfer window or, more specifically, why United were unlikely to spend.
Cody Drameh hit the headlines with his move to Cardiff City right when it looked like the stars were aligning for his turn in the Leeds line-up.
Bielsa’s own comments perhaps fuelled the lifecycle of that story. The head coach could not fathom a better opportunity for a young footballer than with the Whites at that point.
Drameh felt differently and felt the need to push for a move elsewhere with, what he perceived to be, more game time on offer.
Pep Guardiola has addressed the topic in his recent press conference after the performance of young striker Liam Delap in Manchester City’s FA Cup win over Fulham.
"These guys are 18, 19-years-old," he said. "One of the precious values at that age you have to have is to be patient.
"If you are patient and you have [the] quality to fight in every training session, it will pay off in your career and always you will get what you deserve.”
This mirrors the message Bielsa is sure to be giving his own teen talents at Thorp Arch.
While Gelhardt has already, arguably, made the leap, if the likes of Stuart McKinstry, Bate or Nohan Kenneh begin to feel that itch, they should know some of the best coaches in the world are preaching the same message.
