Leeds United are among the top 10 clubs for youth players performing in the top flight.
Leeds United may be languishing in the Championship, but several of their former players are starring in the top flight.
According to new research from CV-Library, Leeds are a top 10 team when it comes to academy players.
The Whites are in the top 10 clubs this season when it comes to their academy players featuring in the Premier League.
Considering Leeds are currently 27th in the football pyramid, this is quite an achievement.
Manchester United have had the highest number of academy players in the Premier League this season, with 29.
Southampton follow with 16 along with Tottenham. Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool follow.
Leeds United sit joint ninth with Crystal Palace with seven players.
These include Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook, Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Liverpool’s James Milner, Manchester City’s Fabian Delph, West Ham’s Sam Byram, Burnley’s Charlie Taylor and Everton’s Aaron Lennon.
Part of Leeds’ failure to kick on in recent seasons has been their inability to keep their top youngsters, with the club recently holding high hopes for Byram, Cook and Taylor in particular.
Over the past 12 months Leeds have made steps to try and redress the loss of top talent to the top flight, tying prospects Mallik Wilks, Conor Shaughnessy and Ronaldo Vieira to contract extensions.
But until Leeds finally reclaim their place at the top table, they will always be vulnerable to departures.
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