Leeds United have had a number of impressive U23 players break into their first team in recent times with the likes of Pascal Struijk and Jamie Shackleton featuring regularly for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
It’s no surprise to see some of Leeds’ academy stars flourishing, after all, they did win the PDL National title back in 2019, but one man who hasn’t developed quiet as everyone had hoped is Ryan Edmondson.
Edmondson was the jewel in the crown of Carlos Corberan’s team that won the PDL National Title in 2019, scoring no fewer than 20 goals for the U23s that term.
The teenager is incredibly physically gifted for his age, being described by LeedsLive as tall, strong and powerful with a reputation for bullish aggressive play up top.
However, despite seemingly being a star in the making, Edmondson has faltered in recent times, he was shipped out on loan to Aberdeen for the first part of the season, before being sent to Northampton in January, and there have been suggestions that he isn’t all that fancied by Marcelo Bielsa.
Add into this the fact that Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood have been starring for the U23s and Edmondson’s path to the first-team at Elland Road looks to be blocked.
However, he may have just been handed a lifeline in that regard.
Indeed, the Yorkshire Evening Post are reporting that Greenwood is being groomed as more of a number 10, and if that is the case, Edmonson may have a clearer path into the team at Leeds.
Less competition may equal more chances, and if Edmondson can flourish at Northampton, he could be back at Thorp Arch next season, one again ready to make a mark for the U23s, and perhaps even the first-team.
Of course, a lot has to come together for Edmondson to get a shot in Bielsa’s side, but there is still a player in there to be unearthed, and with Greenwood seemingly dropping deeper, a chance could be there for the taking.
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