Jesse Marsch and assistant Rene Maric both singled out the ‘extremely talented’ Sonny Perkins for praise after Leeds United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, speaking via LUTV.
With both goalkeepers in fine form in the Black Country on Wednesday night, it was always likely to take something special to break the deadlock.
And Boubacar Traore certainly provided that; curling home his first ever Wolves goal from a Daniel Podence assist to ensure that there will be an Old Gold ball in the pot for the fourth round draw.
There were some crumbs of comfort for Marsch and co, however; a much-changed Leeds side more than holding their own against more experienced opposition.
Sonny Perkins shines as Leeds lose to Wolves in EFL Cup
“I think (the youngsters) played really well against a team that had a lot of first-team minutes. We were a little unlucky not to come away with more,” Marsch said after Mateo Joseph, Darko Gyabi and former West Ham starlet Sonny Perkins caught the eye.
“I would say Mateo Joseph was very good. I thought Sonny Perkins also played very well. We used him a couple of different roles; he was very intelligent, he found a lot of good spaces. (Perkins) was also dangerous and really good defensively.
“Darko really grew into the game. He was very confident on the ball, started to initiate things. And then Willy Gnonto comes on too and is a big spark for us. To see them perform like that was great.
“Overall, good performances from everybody on the pitch. I thought (goalkeeper) Joel Robles also played really well, and showed some good presence. We played better than we thought.”
London-born 18-year-old Perkins has been in prolific form for Leeds U23 side this season, scoring seven goals in nine Premier League 2 matches.
There was to be no debut strike for him at Molineux. But, having impressed both Marsch and assistant coach Maric, Perkins has done his hopes of a more regular place in the first-team picture no harm at all.
“Sonny is very young, extremely talented,” Maric adds, via Leeds Live. “The type of player who catches the eye with his physical posture. (We are) working on him. (He is) very young.
“A lot of faith in his potential.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
