Has Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen accidentally pulled off a masterstroke with Ronaldo Vieira?

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Ronaldo Vieira made his first Championship start of the season as Leeds United beat Bristol City 3-0 on Saturday.

During Leeds’ disappointing run leading into the clash with Bristol City on Saturday, there appeared to be one particular call coming fans and pundits alike aimed at Thomas Christiansen as he tried to figure out how to turn the Whites’ fortunes around: start Ronaldo Vieira.

Vieira was one of the brightest lights in an incredibly encouraging season last term, but found opportunities extremely difficult to come by at Elland Road this season – going into the clash at Ashton Gate still awaiting his first Championship start of the season.

While the 19-year-old’s busy summer at the Toulon Tournament meant that his limited involvement in the early weeks of the campaign made some sense – especially with Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips performing so well in the holding midfield role – Leeds’ recent form left many scratching their heads.

Defeats against Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday were enough to see Andy Lonergan given a chance in goal for the game against Reading, but not enough for Vieira to replace either O’Kane or Phillips, whose form had also dipped before the fixture with the Royals – though injury may have been a factor behind his omission.

Finally, after a third straight defeat, Christiansen decided a tactical reshuffle was required and brought Vieira in to play with O’Kane and Phillips – and the decision was vindicated in some style.

Leeds won 3-0 to end the Robins’ unbeaten start to the season in front of their own fans, and Vieira was arguably exceptional in the performance. So perhaps Christitansen has, accidentally, stumbled upon a masterstroke if the teenager’s form is a sign of things to come.

Vieira must have felt that he had a point to prove – he certainly played like he did – and having experienced what it is like to be sidelined for a number of weeks, he will surely be fully determined to make the most of each minute he spends out on the pitch through fear that letting his standards drop will see him fall out of favour again.

So perhaps, by leaving Vieira out for so long, Christiansen has helped bring out a level of determination in the academy graduate that may help him realise his full potential.