The draw for the third round of the FA Cup took place last month, where Leeds discovered they’d be facing high flying West Ham at the London Stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa would presumably have preferred to tackle lower league opposition at this stage, as the Hammers pose a tough task.
Leeds will need to play a strong team if they’re to get anything against the Irons, but having said that, Bielsa may want to rest some stars as he aims to keep the Whites in the Premier League.
In that respect, let’s take a look at two Academy gems who could make their first-team debuts in the FA Cup third round for Leeds…
Max Dean
A powerful, aggressive forward with a keen eye for goal, it’s no surprise to see Max Dean likened to ex-Leeds frontman Alan Smith.
The 17-year-old is already playing Premier League 2 football for Leeds, which is usually for Under-23 prospects – he’s scored three goals in eight games at that level.
Dean plays with passion, and even at youth level, celebrates his goals like he’s just netted the winner in a World Cup final.
Seeing as Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo are struggling with injuries, we see no reason why Bielsa can’t hand the teenager a first-team debut.
Lewis Bate
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Big things are expected of Lewis Bate following his £1.5m move from Chelsea, and his first-team career at Leeds must start in the FA Cup third round.
The 19-year-old oozes class, and has made things look easy at Under-23 level in Yorkshire so far this season.
Typically a centre-midfielder by trade, Bate would allow Bielsa to give the likes of Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw a rest should he be handed a debut.
In our view, it is crucial that the pair are given some rest. Kalvin Phillips looks set to be out for two months, and Bielsa can’t afford to lose more of his few midfielders, especially not in the FA Cup third round.
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