Stats: Why Cook and Mowatt deserve their England call-ups

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Leeds duo Lewis Cook & Alex Mowatt have been called up to the England Under-18 and Under-20 squads respectively.

Leeds United have received plenty of praise for their academy for some time now.

And current boss Neil Redfearn, of course, has a lot to do with that praise. The 49-year-old was the head of Leeds’ academy before Massimo Cellino finally appointed him as manager, bringing several promising youngsters through the ranks.

Two of the club’s brightest young stars have made a noticeable impact this season.

So noticeable, in fact, that Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt have been rewarded for their form with international call-ups.

Indeed, the Leeds duo have been called up to the England Under-18 and Under-20 squads, with Opta stats showing just why.

Mowatt has been in free-scoring form lately, evidenced by his four Championship goals this term – the joint-highest total within the Leeds’ squad.

The 21-year-old has also created an impressive 19 chances this campaign, depite not registering an assist. Six dribbles won and 91 successful final-third passes are also not stats to be sniffed at, with Mowatt’s 50% shooting accuracy showing he is far from wasteful in front of goal.

Cook’s role has been slightly different at Elland Road, with the youngster not scoring or assisting this term but winning more dribbles on the ball. When you consider he is just 17 years of age, meanwhile, Cook’s progress has been especially impressive.

Both thoroughly deserve their chances to impress with England, then, and will hope they can progress through the international ranks. Just as they will hope Leeds can also reach the next level of league football in the coming years.