Sky Bet Championship side Leeds United are known for having an incredibly high-standard academy system. The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Ronaldo Viera and Mallik Wilks provide an exceptional future for the Whites, but should we expect any more young starlets?
21-year-old Phillips made his debut for the Yorkshire side under Neil Readfirm in the 4-3 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. However Phillips was just one of a number of promising young players that emerged as academy products whilst Leeds were under the stalwart of Readfirm including Sam Byram, Lewis Cook and also the recently in-form Charlie Taylor.
Kalvin Phillips scores first Leeds goal on home debut vs Cardiff
Phillips has now gone on to make 30 appearances since graduating from the academy. The young midfielder settled quickly into first-team life and eventually captured a place in the starting XI under Garry Monk. Phillips’ first goal for the Whites in 2016-17 came as a stunning freekick at Nottingham Forest which you can see below.
Kalvin Phillips scores his first goal of 2016/17 season
Ronaldo Viera is another young Leeds starlet that is featuring in Monk’s promotion-hunting Leeds side. The Guinea Bissau born midfielder made his debut in the 3-0 opening day defeat against QPR earlier this season – with the 18-year-old giving away a penalty – however he has since become in-favour with the Whites’ fans for scoring the winning penalty shoot-out against Norwich in the English Football League Cup on the 26th October 2016, as well as netting a 90th minute winner against the Canaries in the League on the 5th November.
Ronaldo Vieira – last gasp, last minute winner clips Canaries’ wings
Monk is yet to give any academy products their full debut however the former Swansea manager certainly sees youth as playing an important role within any football club.
“Since I have come into the building, I have had young players regularly training with the first team to give them that experience but also to have a good look at them and see how they adapt in a first team environment. And then along the way we have brought players to home and away games.” Monk said.
Therefore we should, no doubt, expect more young excellence to graduate from the fine academy that Leeds run up at Thorp Arch and progress into promising players who don the white of Leeds United.
