Leeds United have one of the most productive youth systems in the entire country.
Garry Monk has told the Daily Mail that he wants Leeds United’s academy system to be more productive.
Monk feels that Leeds need to be tougher on their younger stars, to ensure that they reach their potential.
And the former Swansea City boss says that he told the prospects currently in Leeds set-up that they would improve as players under his guidance soon after taking charge at Elland Road.
“We have a fantastic academy here but most academies are not producing real footballers,” Monk said, when analysing the current state of English football.
“I met our young players at the start of the season and told them straight. I said they would be serving their apprenticeship with me.
“The system is not developing players right. I don’t think we produce leaders. They are far too sheltered from everything.”
Leeds have one of the most productive academy systems in the Football League, with a number of youngsters progressing to become first-team stars at the Yorkshire club.
The likes of Sam Byram and Lewis Cook have recently broken through at Leeds, and have then been sold for big money to Premier League teams.
Leeds also have Kalvin Phillips, Charlie Taylor and Ronaldo Vieira in their first-team set-up – with the trio all coming through the Elland Road side’s youth ranks.
Leeds’ academy prospects have helped Monk’s side climb up to seventh in the Championship table this season, after a strong run of form.
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