Leeds United have lots of new young players to chose from but they are taking time to find the winning formula.
It was not only the first-team squad that got a makeover at Leeds United this summer; the Whites’ under-23s also saw plenty of new arrivals with some of Europe’s most exciting young talent signed up by director of football Victor Orta.
Chief among them was former Barcelona teenager Kun Temenuzhkov – a player tipped to reach the very top of the game – and along with Oriol Rey, Ousama Siddiki, Madger Gomes et al, Leeds seemingly had the talent to ensure last season’s regular under-23 defeats were a thing of the past.
Unfortunately for Leeds’ next generation, it has not quite worked out like that so far, with the young Whites struggling for victories and losing to Watford, Coventry City, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace in the last month.
A 0-0 draw with Colchester United is as good as it has got so far, but Leeds fans should not be too downhearted. After all, it was always going to take time for the new arrivals to settle, both at a new club and in a new country, and in time the Whites’ next generation are expected to excel.
Many of Leeds’ new faces are still in their teens with the pick of the bunch, Temenuzhkov, just 17. With these players patience is key and, while it may take a year or two, they should ultimately be making light work of their opponents as they push for first-team football at Elland Road.
Orta knows what he is doing and the senior side is already reaping the rewards. The under-23 project is longer but could, ultimately, be of even greater benefit.
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