Jordan Stevens was included in Leeds United’s squad for their latest Championship fixture.
In comments reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Marcelo Bielsa has suggested that Jordan Stevens has the ability to make an impact for Leeds United’s first-team as he discussed calling the youngster up to the bench in midweek.
Stevens was the surprise name on the teamsheet as the Whites travelled to Preston North End 24 hours after he had helped the under-23s blow Ipswich Town away at Elland Road.
He did not get onto the pitch at Deepdale, but it was certainly a big show of faith from Bielsa to include him in the 18, especially when you consider how important the game could prove to be in Leeds’ promotion charge.
And ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday, Bielsa suggested that he has been extremely impressed with the 19-year-old midfielder.
“The games for the under 23s are always a reference for him. In a previous press conference we were talking about having three levels of importance – the Championship games, the games in the training and then the under 23s. So for a player that doesn’t have minutes in the Championship he is very focused on the trainings and the under-23s games,” he said, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, when asked about picking Stevens in midweek.
“He has all the skills needed to play in the attack, he has good quality and speed too.”
Having arguably outshone Jack Clarke for the under-23s last time out – though Clarke still appears to be working his way back towards full fitness – Stevens appears to be ahead of his teammate in the pecking order right now, especially as he can also play in a more central role.
Stevens made his senior debut earlier in the campaign in the defeat at Stoke City. And there appears to be every chance that the former Forest Green Rovers man will get the chance to add to his tally of appearances before the campaign concludes.
And perhaps it should surprise no-one if Stevens manages to make an impact in Leeds’ promotion push with Bielsa clearly a fan of the youngster.
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