Ronaldo Vieira is en vogue at Leeds United at the moment.
In an interview with LUTV, James Beattie has reflected on Ronaldo Vieira’s rise to prominence at Leeds United.
The 18-year-old made headlines at the weekend after fizzing home a long-range and last-minute strike which gave Leeds a 3-2 win at Norwich City.
It was the teenager’s first senior goal for the Whites, and even attempting such an effort is perhaps testament to the amount of self belief he has in himself.
This time last year, Vieira, an academy graduate, was nowhere near United’s first team, but an excellent pre-season campaign saw him awarded with a three-year contract extension – months after signing a one-year professional deal with the Yorkshire club.
But Beattie suggested to LUTV that there is plenty more that he and other coaches at the club need to do before the Leeds starlet reaches the next level.
“Ronnie isn’t short on confidence. He’s a nice, grounded young man. We’ll try nurture him through these early years and if he wants to shoot from 35 yards next time, he can.
“His all-round game is really good, and he’s part of the team.”
Vieira’s goal lifted Leeds into the playoffs positions in the Championship.
Garry Monk has restored a huge sense of optimism within the club’s fanbase and many of those will be dreaming of Premier League promotion.
But, such is the nature of the Championship, a couple of bad weeks and Monk’s side – who won once in their first six league outings – are back to square one.
They welcome top-of-the-table Newcastle United to Elland Road on November 20.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
