Garry Monk praises Leeds United youngster Lewie Coyle.
Leeds United’s Lewie Coyle in action with QPR’s Massimo Luongo
Leeds United head coach Garry Monk has praised defender Lewie Coyle’s performance against Queens Park Rangers, despite the side’s comprehensive 3-0 defeat.
Coyle came on for Gaetano Berardi after just 22 minutes of the match at Loftus Road, with the Swiss defender suffering an injury, and Leeds already 1-0 down.
Coyle made his debut last season when Berardi was injured, having risen up the pecking order after Sam Byram was sold to West Ham.
QPR’s Olamide Shodipo in action with Leeds United’s Lewie Coyle
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds at his pre-Fleetwood Town press conference, Monk said he felt Coyle showed real promise in the game against QPR.
He said: “I thought he did excellent when he come on. He come on and did exactly what we needed him to do.
“OK, the last goal was a mistake, but I think his performance, to come in on those situations is never easy, from the bench especially as a defender, different situation to an an attacking player, so I thought his focus and mentality straight away was very very good and showed the level he is.
“Again he’s one of a number of young players at the club that are improving, we’re trying to improve, and can play an important part in the future, so Lewie did very well.”
| Passing Accuracy | Won Tackles | Interceptions | Shots Blocked | Effective Clearance | Key Passes | Crossing Accuracy | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewie Coyle | 59% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 60% | 68 |
While Coyle created one chance, he will be disappointed with a low pass completion rate of 59 per cent, and will need to keep the ball better if he is to kick on at Leeds and establish himself as a regular.
He looks set to start against Fleetwood with Leeds still awaiting to learn the full extent of Berardi’s latest injury.
Forest’s Robert Tesche in action with Leeds’ Lewie Coyle
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