The Leeds United manager has inexplicably overlooked Ronaldo Vieira so far this season.
While Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen started life at Elland Road in impressive fashion, some of his recent team selections have come in for scrutiny, not least his decision to overlook Ronaldo Vieira in favour of Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane.
There is no doubt the latter pair began the season in blistering form and justified their inclusion. The issue is, against sides like Millwall and Cardiff City, Leeds needed more steel than Phillips in particular could offer, and yet Vieira sat on the bench.
Unused against Millwall and granted just 23 minutes against Cardiff, it was too little too late, and Vieira’s omission is even more baffling when you consider the faith shown in Conor Shaughnessy this season.
The reinvented centre-back has featured seven times already under Christiansen, but when he initially got the call it was due to necessity, with Leeds struggling for starters at the back.
In contrast, Leeds have had the luxury of a settled midfield pairing, and as a consequence Vieira has been cast to the periphery.
Two years younger than Shaughnessy but with a hugely impressive breakthrough campaign last time out, Vieira should be starting for Leeds when they need more steel in the centre of the field.
In fact, such is his talent he should be starting more often than not, and while he is only 19, his manager needs to start believing in him as others have before.
Until recently, Leeds was a team that gave youth a chance and impressed as a result, but with neither Vieira nor loanee Cameron Borthwick-Jackson getting a look in despite a case to be had for both, Christiansen should reassess over the international break.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
