Leeds United should hand chance to talented young striker.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
Leeds United are in a position they did not expect to be in heading into the final game of the season.
The Whites are out of play-off contention, and face a Wigan side who are already relegated. It is a game neither team will especially want to have, but there is also an opportunity here.
It is a chance for Leeds boss Garry Monk to learn more about players on the fringes of the squad, who he has not really been minded to throw in this season amid the intensity of the charge to win a play-off place.
Monk should consider selecting talented teenage striker Mallik Wilks, 18, who he handed a debut to earlier in the season.
Sutton United’s Jamie Collins celebrates scoring their first goal against Leeds
Wilks’ only start came as a substitute in the loss to non-league Sutton United in the FA Cup, with Leeds already a goal down.
The result that day will have left a sour note for Wilks, and Leeds should use this chance to try and find out more about the striker’s readiness to play first team football.
Wilks was named on the bench for a Championship fixture earlier in the season, but Leeds did not see fit to promote him further.
Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira celebrates after the match
Before they go and spend money on a new striker in the summer, it is worth them casting their eye on how Wilks gets on surrounded by first team players, even in this dead rubber match.
On the final day of last season Leeds handed a debut to Ronaldo Vieira, which set the tone for him to break through in pre-season and establish himself as a first team player.
Wilks could flourish with a similar opportunity, and if Leeds don’t give him the chance, they may never know.
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