Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Tue 31 March 2026 20:40, UK

Leeds United clearly have another talented youngster rising through their academy.

Thorp Arch has gained an impressive reputation for churning out some of the most talented wonderkids in English football, and they now have another glittering example to boast about.

Across numerous age groups, a host of fledglings are pushing home their claim for professional contracts, and will eventually hope to catch Daniel Farke’s eye in the first-team.

The latest is 16-year-old forward Oliver Bennett, judging by his recent heroics.

While he will play no part in the Whites’ relegation fight in the Premier League, he will certainly be aiming to earn his big breakthrough at Elland Road sooner rather than later.

What did Oliver Bennett do for Leeds?

Bennett scored no less than four goals against Southampton’s Under-16s at the weekend.

Running the show across the frontline, the teenager was untouchable and delivered a truly electric performance, which could well land him on the radar of Farke.

Fortunately, his highlights were captured on camera, including a direct free-kick from around 25 yards, which swerved before picking out the top right corner.

His tally of goal involvements now stands at 28 for the season, and he isn’t done yet.

According to Instagram account The Talent Hunter, Bennett, fresh from his “unbelievable” showing, is one of Leeds’ “most promising academy prospects at the moment”.

The only negative is that he didn’t end up on the winning side, with the two academies playing out a pulsating 5-5 draw. Still, that won’t detract from a stunning display.

Last week, meanwhile, Zach Hitchen became Leeds’ youngest ever Under-18s goalscorer.

What’s next for Bennett?

First and foremost, Leeds must ensure they don’t prematurely rush him up the ladder. Like any budding talent, he must be afforded room to continue growing – and to make mistakes.

There may, though, be a tinge of regret at Thorp Arch. Now that footage of his four-goal masterclass has become public, scouts may well flock to get a glimpse of him.

The Whites are in total control of his future and are likely to hand him a professional contract as soon as they can, although this will have to wait until at least his 17th birthday.

Provided he continues working hard and pulling magic out of thin air, he will go right to the top. Take a bow, son. Take a bow.