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'No doubt' - Leeds physio makes Premier League claim about 'brilliant' homegrown trio
Marcelo Bielsa has utilised a number of different Leeds United academy talents as he masterminded the Whites’ return to the Premier League.
Jamie Shackleton and Pascal Struijk are just two of the youngsters that have thrived in the last month of the Championship season.
Leeds will want to strengthen their squad depth before the new season, but there are no doubts that some of these academy talents will get a chance in the first-team at certain points.
Robbie Gotts and Alfie McCalmont are two names that are always mentioned by Bielsa, with both yet to make a massive impact on the first-team.
Leeds physio Henry McStay has backed that to change though, claiming that duo and Shackleton are both ready for the Premier League.
“It’s great to see those lads come through,” he told Irish News.
“In a lot of big clubs it’s very difficult but we have a world-class coach in Mr Bielsa and he’s given a lot of the young fellas a good chance. He has improved them all and they’ve all turned into fantastic players.
“They got their chance and they’ve been able to take it because they’re so well educated tactically and their fitness levels are brilliant.
“No doubt they’ll be able to cope with the demands of the Premier League because their performances speak for themselves. If they weren’t good enough, Mr Bielsa wouldn’t have put them in, simple as that.”
Bielsa has certainly got a soft spot for all three of these players, although it may only be Shackleton who gets the chance next season.
That doesn’t mean both Gotts and McCalmont don’t have a future at Elland Road though, they may just have to wait a little longer.
Graham Smyth reported earlier in the week that McCalmont is set to sign a new three-year deal at the club and then could leave on loan, with Bielsa having watched hours of footage of the Northern Ireland youngster during lockdown.
Leeds United yet to confirm but I understand Alfie McCalmont will sign a new deal this week.
One of a number who could go out on loan next season.https://t.co/ubnrluhlCj#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 27, 2020
In regards to Gotts, it looks like he could follow Carlos Corberan with Alan Nixon reporting that the midfielder could seal a switch to Huddersfield on loan.
Either way, the future is bright in West Yorkshire and we will be seeing these three names for years to come at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, the BBC have delivered some bad news for Whites fans ahead of Premier League return