‘Crying out for him’ – Exclusive: Pundit raves about Leeds youngster set for major role in PL
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that he’s been really impressed with Leeds youngster Ian Poveda and that he was “crying out for him” to come on in the nervy 1-0 win against Barnsley.
Robinson added that he expects to see a lot more of Poveda for Leeds in the Premier League.
Poveda made his first start for Leeds in the 3-1 win against Derby County on Sunday and put in a solid shift.
He turned heads with his pace and looked a real livewire for his new club.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I didn’t know what to expect for the Derby game and it didn’t really matter. I’m sure the lads had been celebrating for 48 hours and it was just impressive they got the win.
“It was a really good performance and, I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect them to win.
“I’m not surprised Poveda started. He’s started coming on as a substitute and I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen from him.
“I think we’ll see a lot more of him in the future. It’s taken him a while to adapt to the Bielsa system but he’s certainly a young player with talent.
“I watched the game against Barnsley where we were struggling to get out and Patrick Bamford wasn’t holding the ball up. I was crying out for Poveda to come on, just a bit of pace, some legs.
“He’s very direct and very quick and I think we’ll see a lot more of him.”
Poveda arrived on a free transfer from Man City in January and impressed the Leeds fans after his first start.
Helder Costa is out injured and it means that Poveda could get another start on Wednesday.
It’s Leeds’ last game of the season and visitors Charlton are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa to make 6 changes, 20y/o gets big role – Predicted Leeds starting XI v Charlton