Leeds United may have lost in the FA Youth Cup but the future looks very bright.
Leeds United may have crashed out of the FA Youth Cup at the hands of Burnley earlier this week, but for three of the players on show in particular, it could be a defining moment in their fledgling careers.
In Jack Clarke, Kun Temenuzhkov and Jamie Shackleton, Leeds have three teenagers who can go all the way, and they are likely to have learnt a lot more from defeat than they would have in victory.
It may be a cliche, but the simple fact is youth players need to learn how to come back from disappointment as much as anyone, and this talented next generation must stay together and ensure that next year’s Youth Cup is a far more successful endeavour.
Leeds have a history of giving youth a chance and the latest group could be among their best ever, with Clarke tipped to be score goals aplenty for the senior side in the years ahead, Shackleton a very skillful midfielder and Temenuzhkov one of Barcelona’s brightest young stars prior to his summer exit.
Leeds will understand the importance of keeping their feet on the ground and slowly and effectively building their confidence ahead of a future first-team breakthrough.
However do not be surprised if this match goes down personally as one of their earliest and most important learning curves.
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