Marcelo Bielsa cannot ignore Leeds youngster Jack Clarke any longer

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Jack Clarke was the star of the show as Leeds United’s under-23s won again on Friday.

With the likes of Patrick Bamford and Lewis Baker starting regularly on the Leeds bench during the opening weeks of the season, it is no surprise that Marcelo Bielsa is struggling to find a place in the first-team for Jack Clarke.

Clarke is the most exciting talent threatening to break into Leeds’ side. He was superb for the under-23s last season and is starting to showcase his best form once again. He scored a brace to help the Whites come from a goal down to beat Cardiff recently, and he followed that display up with a stunning performance against Bristol City on Friday.

The winger provided two brilliant assists and scored a remarkable volley as Leeds went into the break 3-0 ahead against the Robins in a game that they would ultimately win 5-0. There were also some lovely touches, including a deliciously chipped pass into Lewis Baker which almost led to another goal for the home side at Elland Road.

Clarke clearly has an enormous amount of confidence and has now shown that he can outshine a number of first-team players, with the likes of Baker, Bamford, Jack Harrison and Jamal Blackman all featuring for Carlos Corberan’s men.

With Clarke playing so well right now, Bielsa would perhaps be making a mistake if he did not seriously look at including him in the first-team plans in the very near future.

He may not have done enough to force his way ahead of the likes of Gjanni Alioski and Pablo Hernandez – or Harrison, who did well when handed a start against Middlesbrough – just yet, but he is proving that he could quickly establish himself as an incredibly dangerous option that could really make a difference as Leeds look to capitalise on their excellent start.

Bielsa may be desperate to make sure that he introduces Clarke into the first-team at the right time. But given his current form, it is difficult to imagine that there could be any wrong time to hand the teenager a chance.