Marcelo Bielsa delivers verdict on Leeds youngster Cody Drameh
Leeds United lost 2-0 against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa handed a debut to 19-year-old right-back Cody Drameh, and the youngster impressed heavily.
He was shaky at the start but soon grew into confidence as the game went on. Drameh revealed after the game that it was a “bittersweet” experience for him as he couldn’t be a part of a winning side.
After the game, Marcelo Bielsa has spoken highly about the youngster.
The Argentine said that “he was good”, and that his “presence was deserved.”
“Presence was deserved. Best moment he’s gone through. In general lines, he was good,” said Bielsa after the game, as quoted by Leeds Live.
Strong debut
During his time at Leeds, Bielsa has always given chances to young players if they are good enough.
Drameh has become the 41st player who has been given a debut by the Argentine. With three tackles, five duels won, making as many as 68 touches, and creating two chances – the youngster has proved that he is now ready for regular senior action.
There was an incident in the first half involving Drameh that deserves a mention here. Drameh caught Gabriel Martinelli with his arm. There was contact but it wasn’t intentional. The impact was minimal.
However, Mikel Arteta protested furiously with the fourth official and even suggested with a gesture that there was a deliberate elbowing from Drameh.
Luckily, the youngster wasn’t booked. Initially, it appeared that Martinelli had suffered a big injury, but several replays suggested that he was only faking a head injury.
It will be interesting to see if Drameh gets another opportunity to play against Norwich City on Sunday. Jamie Shackleton is fit, and he is expected to feature. Luke Ayling has returned to training as well.
In other Leeds United news, Adrian Durham has urged Marcelo Bielsa to make a big decision after this ‘astonishing’ development last week.