The former Whites boss has been impressed by one summer signing in particular.
Former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has told Radio Yorkshire that he has been hugely impressed with the selfless leadership shown by summer signing Eunan O’Kane, as quoted by Inside Futbol.
O’Kane joined the Whites on a two-year deal from Premier League side Bournemouth during the transfer window, and has become an important player in Garry Monk’s side already, featuring 11 times in all competitions and starting the last 10 Championship matches since mid-September.
The 26-year-old is a full Republic of Ireland international and has brought a touch of class to the midfield at Elland Road.
However, former boss Redfearn has been most impressed with his work off the ball and behind the scenes, stressing that he has been thrilled with the way O’Kane has taken on a leadership role, sometimes to the detriment of his own game.
Redfearn told Radio Yorkshire, via Inside Futbol: “I think what Garry Monk has done is he’s sold it [the signing of O’Kane] on the fact that he is going to be important to all these young players.
“I think O’Kane gets hold of them and he looks after them. He sacrifices some of his own game to help the team and help others. I can see as an ex-pro what he’s doing. I think that’s really commendable. I think the kid’s a good player as well.
Redfearn believes that the fact that O’Kane has taken on a role of mentor so comparatively early in his career shows that he is a good bet to go on to a successful coaching career after he retires from playing.
The former Leeds boss added: “You can see him going on and wanting to coach. He seems to have that about him.
“There comes a point in your career and the penny drops and all the stuff you’ve been taught in your career makes sense. You start thinking about the game a bit more, about coaching and I think he’s at that stage that he’s really impressionable with the things that are suggested.”
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