Phil Hay: Leeds teenager Lewis Bate is ‘obvious’ option for first team bench
Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate deserves an opportunity in the first team, according to Phil Hay.
The 19-year-old midfielder was signed from Chelsea in the summer and has been a regular for the Under-23s, making 13 appearances in Premier League 2 this season.
Bate was named on the first team bench for the Premier League fixture against Leicester in November, but that is the only time he has been included in a senior matchday squad.
In a Q&A on The Athletic’s website, Hay was asked about why the teenager isn’t being involved by Marcelo Bielsa.
“I’m equally confused about the absence of Bate from matchday squads,” Hay replied.
“Every time I watch him he looks slick, talented and very good at controlling games. I’m not saying he should be in the team but he looks like an obvious option for the bench to me.”
Deserves a chance
Given Leeds’ current injury problems, it would be strange and disappointing if Bate was not included in the matchday squad over the next few weeks.
With Kalvin Phillips set for a two-month spell on the sidelines, the door is open for Bielsa – who reportedly is a fan of Bate – to give the teenager more first team opportunities.
A product of Chelsea’s academy and capped by England from Under-17 to Under-20 level, Bate is clearly highly-rated and hopefully is a future Elland Road star.
He has caught the eye with his performances for the Under-23s this season so deserves his shot with the first team.
With six Premier League fixtures crammed into the next three weeks, this is the perfect time for him to be used as a squad option.
In other Leeds United news, Marcelo Bielsa has named the Leeds player that he wants to see more from.