Oriol Rey has looked exceptional in the middle of the park for Leeds United’s under-23s lately.
When former Barcelona starlet Oriol Rey signed for Leeds United last summer, it appeared that the 20-year-old was destined to put pressure on the likes of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper if he could impress for the under-23s, having arrived as a centre-back.
However, Rey has more recently been seen featuring in the midfield for Carlos Corberan’s side, and his performances in the middle of the park have been hugely impressive and perhaps hint that a first-team debut for Paul Heckingbottom’s men may not be so far away for the youngster.
Rey was excellent in the recent U23 win over Cardiff City, but was somewhat overshadowed by the brilliance of Jack Clarke who provided two assists in the victory, just like he had been in the previous game when Sam Dalby was exceptional at Ipswich Town.
He is proving a hugely influential player for the academy side, and given that his performances are coming at a time when Heckingbottom is still learning about his squad, it may not be too out there a claim to suggest that he should be on the head coach’s radar.
Adam Forshaw has quickly established himself as one of the first names on the Leeds teamsheet following his January move, but the other central midfielders in the first-team are not making particularly convincing cases, right now, to be considered as Forshaw’s first-choice partner.
Rey is high on confidence right now and is showing a lot of quality for a side that is putting together a very good run of results. Meanwhile, the first-team desperately need an injection of momentum as they look to end the season on something of a high.
Heckingbottom has a number of under-23s knocking at his door currently with the first-team struggling to find any kind of form. Rey is perhaps one of those who should definitely come into consideration, and if he thrives if given a chance, perhaps he will save the club a significant amount of money ahead of the summer transfer window.
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