Cody Drameh has hinted that he was not ready for Premier League football before leaving Leeds United to join Cardiff City in a loan transfer this year, via the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Whites product went against then-manager Marcelo Bielsa to seal a temporary move away from Elland Road in January. Drameh felt he had to make the step up from Premier League 2 football and secure regular first-team minutes, having outgrown the youth level.
Bielsa wanted Drameh to remain in West Yorkshire and offer depth in his squad following the 20-year-old’s senior debut. He featured in the Carabao Cup in October before turning out in three top-flight games and one FA Cup tie. But just two of those outings were starts.
But Drameh has not looked back on his decision to join Cardiff, having been a mainstay cog from day one. The right-back has started all 14 of his Championship appearances, ahead of hosting rivals Swansea City on Saturday. He has also laid on three assists in the second-tier.
Offering an offensive threat in Steve Morrison’s side could now help Drameh to establish a role at Leeds next season. If not, it may at least spark a step up to the Premier League with another side on loan. Allowing Drameh to further develop the skills he felt he was lacking.
Leeds gem Drameh hints he wasn’t ready for Prem after ‘demanding’ Cardiff loan
Having not played first-team football before this season, Drameh felt he had to make the step up either at Leeds or with a loan transfer in January to polish the rougher edges that PL2 action could not, having outgrown the youth scene before securing a switch to Cardiff.
“This is my first season if you like in a first-team setting,” Drameh said. “So, going from 23s football, very spaced out, very relaxed, a game once a week, to games three times a week sometimes – Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday – it’s very demanding.
“I’ve had to adapt, but I think the coaching staff have used their experience and helped me out to adapt to the games. I’m not going to disrespect Premier League 2 because it’s a very good league. But I did feel I had outgrown it on a football level.
“The step up from PL2 to Championship is massive. But I would encourage players to try and get out and play men’s football as soon as possible. I don’t think PL2 prepares you for certain things in men’s football. The step up is quite a big one.”
Drameh’s comments hint he felt unready for the Premier League under Bielsa, so Jesse Marsch will hope he returns to Leeds next season better off after a loan spell at Cardiff.
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