Garry Monk hails Leeds youngster Ronaldo Vieira’s development and performance against Reading

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Vieira has made a huge impact for Leeds since breaking into the first-team at the end of last season.

Garry Monk has hailed both the performance against Reading and overall development of Leeds United youngster Ronaldo Vieira and insisted that the teenager is showing maturity beyond his years, the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Vieira only made his debut for the first-team on the final day of last season, but has taken little time to establish himself as a key man for the Whites, making 18 appearances in all competitions this term.

And after shining against the Royals during the 2-0 win at Elland Road, Monk explained how impressed he has been by the academy graduate.

Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira

“He’s so mature for his age. You saw it from the first minute to the 91st minute. He was brushing someone aside in the 91st minute and he’s developing nicely,” he said, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“He’s listening. He’s got ability and he knows that but he’s critical of himself.

“Because he listens he’s growing all the time. I took a good look at the group when I came in, the Under-23s and the 18s. I felt we could do something with him and we can all see the potential he has. It’s just about bringing it out of him.”

What perhaps makes the 18-year-old’s display and form all the more impressive is the fact that he is fighting for a place in the team where Leeds arguably boast the most depth.

Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum in action with Leeds’ Ronaldo Vieira

The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane have really shone this season, while Liam Bridcutt was arguably deemed to be the club’s most important signing this summer.

But while Vieira has put in several impressive displays, it was arguably his performance against Reading that best demonstrated just how mature he has become.

With injury and suspension issues to contend with, Monk switched to a 4-1-4-1 system that saw Vieira as the only recognised central midfielder in the starting line-up. Nevertheless, he rose to the challenge and helped the side to a 1-0 lead in the 33 minutes before Bridcutt was brought on due to Chris Wood’s injury.