Leeds United one of only four Premier League clubs involved in alarming statistic
Leeds United’s squad has been questioned by the fanbase as to whether it possesses enough quality to stay in the Premier League.
The 49ers have faced backlash for a disappointing end to the transfer window after promising the Elland Road faithful further investment.
The lack of investment in the forward line helps Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as the striker will likely be able to establish himself as first choice under Daniel Farke; it will ultimately hurt Leeds’ chances of avoiding relegation.
Along with how light Leeds‘ forward line options seem to be, another concerning stat has just emerged regarding the United squad.
Leeds one of four Premier League clubs to not have any local players
Whilst Farke’s main concern is ultimately keeping Leeds in the division, the lack of local talent in the current United squad is a shame.
An article in The Athletic on 9 September shows that Leeds, along with Burnley, Aston Villa and Wolves, are the only clubs in the top flight to not have a local player in their team.
In this case, their definition of a local player is someone who was brought up in the same city, county or within a 45-minute drive of the club.
Kalvin Phillips was the last academy graduate to fully establish himself in the Leeds side for multiple years, with Archie Gray making the move to Tottenham after just one season of playing for the Whites.
Leeds cannot force youngsters into the side
Homegrown talent should not be forced into the starting XI simply because of their academy graduate status.
When Leeds score, not a single supporter is bothered by what club they came through at initially.
Being an academy graduate is undoubtedly something supporters value, but ultimately, youngsters cannot be shoehorned into the side if they are not good enough.
The Elland Road faithful would love Harry Gray, for example, to have a long and prosperous career at the club, but if he does not have the ability to start, then Farke should not feel pressure to involve him in the side.
It’s an unrealistic expectation for a new golden generation of youngsters to emerge from Thorp Arch ready for the first team each year, but at least one would be nice.
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