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Leeds fans thrilled by McCalmont
Marcelo Bielsa named a line-up of experienced first-team pros and Under-23s for his first pre-season game against York City on Wednesday night.
One of the beneficiaries was 19-year-old Alfie McCalmont, who played in the defensive midfield position normally patrolled by Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds fans were really hoping to see Phillips last night, with question marks over his future hanging over him, but before fans start panicking he should start in tonight’s game against Guiseley.
It was McCalmont’s first senior start and he snatched his opportunity with both hands.
He was helped out by centre-backs Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper, but he looked comfortable, was assured on the ball and looked solid going forward.
It’s obviously early days but on the basis of this performance we think we could see more of McCalmont with the first-team this season.
The match was streamed live on LUTV and that gave plenty of fans the chance to appraise the youngster and they really liked what they saw.
One fan even went as far as to say he could turn out to be better than Lewis Cook or Kalvin Phillips!
Here are just some of the positive reactions to McCalmont’s display:
https://twitter.com/douthwaite69/status/1149201961213935617
Mccalmont was excellent tonight. Looked very comfortable playing with the first team. #lufc
— Dale Reid (@DaleSpeedyReid) July 11, 2019
They looked good last night… don't care that it was 'only York'. McCalmont looks up for a proper crack at the first team this season #lufc
— Finny (@wakeyfin) July 11, 2019
Seen him play 1 game in my life but Alfie McCalmont was unbelievable against a pub team tonight. Could be some dude #LUFC
— Danny Rowe (@lufc_dannyr) July 10, 2019
#LUFC 5 years ago Cook made his debut and established himself I preseason for those who saw that game and tonight does McCalmont look to have quality to break through like Cook did and even be better player than Cook or Phillips who I hope stays
— Craig Hewitt (@cjlufc) July 10, 2019
Positive – McCalmont is class
Negative – we're selling Phillips and hes in his position#lufc— Dan Samme (@DanSamme) July 10, 2019
Great performance tonight by #LUFC
5 quality goals ⚽️
Pablo was superb 👌
Harrison looked great, sharp and his partnership with Douglas down the left worked really well 🤝
Well done to McCalmont,great game!
2nd half – Liked the look of Gotts, Pascal Struijk and Mujica 💛💙
— LeedsLoco ⚽️ ✍🏻 🗣 (@LeedsLoco) July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/LWilsonLUFC/status/1149047877282480128
McCalmont very impressive tonight and recreated his under 23 levels . Showed he has the quality to be KP's deputy: composed on the ball in tight areas, good range of passing and positioning spot on. We need another out and out CDM and I think McCalmont could be that player. #lufc
— Oscar (@OscarMarrio) July 10, 2019