Leeds United rising star Josh McDonald clocks rapid speed to put him among fastest in Premier League
Leeds United youngster Josh McDonald has garnered attention having clocked speeds of up to 23mph, which have put him among the fastest players in the Premier League, according to Mail Online.
McDonald was part of a Leeds side to reach the FA Youth Cup final as they meet U18 Premier League champions Manchester City, having eliminated Millwall and Liverpool in the past two rounds.
At speeds of up to 23mph, McDonald had last season been clocked as one of the fastest in the Premier League whilst on Leeds’ books, serving up similar numbers to leading Premier League speedsters Kyle Walker, Micky van de Ven and Chiedozie Ogbene.
The Whites beat off competition from Celtic and Rangers for the Scottish teenager when he arrived at Thorp Arch from Hamilton Academical for around £150,000.
The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract this season as the club tie down their prospect long-term.
Leeds United’s exciting Academy
Leeds’ FA Youth Cup final with Man City takes place on Friday night [KO 7pm] at the Etihad Stadium, live on the FA Player.
The Whites overcame Millwall in a seven-goal thriller in the semi-finals after the Lions had unexpectedly knocked out Southern champions-elect, Chelsea.
Before that, Rob Etherington’s charges had beaten Liverpool, and now face U18 Premier League Northern champions City on their home soil.
Leeds sit fifth in the U18 Premier League North this term, with Liverpool and Newcastle United yet to play their final matches just behind them.
As for McDonald, a speed worthy of three licence points around residential streets is not the only eyebrow-raising statistic he has gathered this season, having hit seven goals and four assists in the league.
His goal tally ties him joint-top of the charts for his side along with Archie Gray’s promising younger brother Harry, and Marley Wilson – who has bagged seven in just six starts.
In other Leeds news, Championship golden boot winner Sam Szmodics offers his play-off prediction.
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