Marcelo Bielsa has stated to Leeds Live that he has been very impressed by the performances of Olly Casey, Jack Jenkins and Sam Greenwood for their under-23 side this season.
Leeds gave the youngsters an opportunity in the FA Cup at the weekend, but the move backfired somewhat as they crashed out against Crawley Town.
Leeds were given a shock by their League Two opponents, but Bielsa stands by his decision to play his youngster, as he says their form deserved to be recognised with some game time.
“Olly Casey, Jenkins and Greenwood, they are in the under-23 team and have been growing and shining,” he said.
“They are players who can be submitted to some bigger challenges than the under-23 games. There was a lot of expectations that these players can have minutes, as well as Gelhardt and Cresswell because they have been playing well to deserve minutes.”
Casey, Jenkins and Greenwood all found it difficult in Leeds’ first-team at the weekend, but they were far from alone.
Even the more experienced players in Leeds’ squad never looked comfortable, as the Whites were dumped out of the FA Cup.
Bielsa is correct in suggesting that the trio of youngsters do have bright futures, too.
Leeds under-23 team currently sit at the top of the PL2 table, and there is great excitement about the prospects coming through at Elland Road currently, despite the defeat at the weekend.
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