The Leeds United midfielder has been used sparingly over the summer but he still has a big role to play.
Ask Leeds United fans who their best midfielder is and the majority will name Ronaldo Vieira, so it is somewhat surprising that the 19-year-old has been used sparingly during pre-season, with Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips starting more often than not.
With Liam Bridcutt and new signings Mateusz Klich and Madger Gomes also available, Vieira may wonder how easily it will be to earn a regular starting spot next season. However, Thomas Christiansen’s use of the teenager thus far could actually benefit Leeds when it really matters.
The new Whites boss has helped O’Kane and Phillips up their respective games, the latter in particular, and as a consequence Vieira has had to make do with a place on the bench more often than not this summer.
But anyone thinking Phillips has usurped Vieira may be proved wrong when the competitive action kicks off. After all, Christiansen will be well aware of the pressure put on the teenager’s shoulders last season when he burst onto the scene and played 39 matches, including 35 in the Championship.
What the Leeds youngster needed more than anything else this summer was a rest, especially after he helped England’s under-20 side win the Toulon Tournament back in June.
He has been used sparingly for his own good as much as anything else, and in time he should be competing with O’Kane and Klich as the mainstays of Leeds’ midfield.
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