The Leeds United defender looks set for a summer exit despite featuring in the last two friendly matches.
Leeds United may be struggling for numbers when it comes to centre-backs, but they should not play Giuseppe Bellusci for the sake of it, with tonight’s friendly against North Ferriby United the perfect chance to see more of some of the Whites’ next generation.
The much-maligned Italian started the first half against Guiseley and the second half against Harrogate Town a few days earlier. However with his future seemingly away from Elland Road, his new manager should overlook him in favour of some of the club’s younger prospects.
Paudie O’Connor did not feature against Guiseley on Saturday but the March signing from Limerick deserves to play ahead of Bellusci, as does former Doncaster Rovers youth product Paul McKay.
Conor Shaugnessy got a brief run-out in a relatively unfamiliar position when he replaced Liam Cooper at the weekend, and the 21-year-old showed enough to suggest he should get more minutes than a player who has long since played his last competitive match for the Whites.
Even with Liam Cooper a risk for tonight’s match due to a knock suffered on Saturday, Bellusci should not be taking the place of a player who could actually remain at Leeds beyond the summer.
New Whites boss Thomas Christiansen has not been shy when it comes to giving run-outs to many of the players he has inherited, with the former Spain striker making full use of his two friendlies to date.
However, Bellusci is not worth another look and Leeds would be better off using the time to give others a chance.
The Italian should be consigned to Leeds’ past, with the future looking particularly bright.
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