Leeds coach says defender goes ‘under the radar’, only played twice under Marsch

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United Under-21’s manager Michael Skubala has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that defender Cody Drameh often goes “under the radar” with his performances for the second string – following Monday’s win over Sunderland.

Drameh, 20, returned to Leeds in the summer after starring for Championship side Cardiff City on loan. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign at Cardiff, playing 22 times. He stayed at Leeds in the summer window.

That is, despite the club signing Rasmus Kristensen who looks as if he is first choice, ahead of Luke Ayling. It has limited Drameh to just two appearances – one in the Premier League with Kristensen unavailable, and Ayling just back.

However, that came in the form of a 5-2 loss to Brentford. He also featured in the 3-1 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, starting a bit of a brawl. His best form has come with the 21’s, playing four times for Skubala’s side this term.

In a 4-0 win over Stoke, the game before last night’s win over Sunderland, he nabbed two assists. On Monday night, he helped keep a clean sheet against a side that boasted the likes of Amad Diallo, Dennis Cirkin and Edouard Michut.

Skubala was full of praise for Drameh: “Cody, I think goes under the radar, but he’s had three really top games and against that good winger, Cody was controlling him. So as a back four here, I think they were really good today.”

Skubala: Leeds defender Drameh goes under the radar

What kind of future does Drameh have at Leeds? The England Under-21 international is playing below his standard with the 21’s. He has already shown, with his form in the Championship, that reserve-team football is beneath him.

Leeds kept hold of him in the summer in order to provide cover for Kristensen, with Ayling sidelined. But now, Ayling is back and Kristensen has shown in his last two outings – against Villa and then Palace, he is beginning to adapt.

So, he is firmly third choice in his only position. While he is a top talent, the path is blocked. Leeds will have to make a decision on him soon, with the ex-Fulham defender’s contract due to expire in little over 18 months’ time.