Why Rhys Chadwick may have given Daniel Farke no choice after Leeds U21 exploits
Rhys Chadwick is surely on the verge of his breakthrough at Leeds United.
The 19-year-old has long been regarded as one of the Whites' best talents at Thorp Arch.
Chadwick is yet to make his senior debut for the Peacocks, and has been integral for the Under-21s so far this season.
He must be knocking on Daniel Farke's door after the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
The German boss does not often promote youth talents into his squad, but he may have no choice after Chadwick's latest exploits.
He looks too good for Scott Gardner's side at the moment, which will leave the LS11 side with a decision.
How did Rhys Chadwick perform in Leeds Under-21s' win over Newcastle?
Chadwick was excellent in the win over Newcastle's academy side in the Premier League 2.
The midfielder completed 81 per cent of his passes and made 12 passes into the final third, per FotMob data.
He was accurate with four of seven long passes, for a success rate of 57 per cent, as he tried to get his side up the pitch.
Defensively, he recorded four contributions, with three tackles and one clearance, as well as notching five recoveries.
In terms of duels, he won five of eight on the ground and both that he contested in the air, for 63 and 100 per cent success rates respectively.
Why Farke may have to hurry with Chadwick promotion
Leeds may have an issue when it comes to Chadwick, though, as his contract expires next summer.
He originally signed his first professional contract in 2024, which was set to expire in the summer that has just passed.
However, he signed a new deal in January 2026, to extend that until 2027, and keep himself in West Yorkshire for a little bit longer.
If Farke decides to utilise him in the senior ranks, then the priority should be to wrap up fresh terms as soon as possible.
They may have to convince him that there is a chance for game time, as the engine room is stacked with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.
That will not be an easy job for Farke and Co, given the strength of that department.