Leeds United’s academy system is nationally renowned for consistently producing talent of the highest quality, and murmurs emerging from the club suggest that a new teenage sensation is on the cusp of a first-team breakthrough.
The likes of James Milner and Fabian Delph have come through Leeds’ academy and developed into fantastic Premier League players, and Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s consistent run in the first-team this season suggests he could be yet another youngster who successfully establishes themselves in the top-flight.
But while Peacock-Farrell has featured more prominently than any other Leeds youngster this season, it is 18-year-old Jack Clarke who looks like the most talented player from the next generation of academy products.
Clarke is a left-winger by trade who possess an incisive blend of tight ball control and speed when dribbling with the ball at his feet, and his talent in this regard should become increasingly apparent as the season develops.
Bielsa has restricted Clarke to just three appearances from the substitutes bench so far this season, but his cameos have provided sufficient evidence to vindicate the view that he is a player who could save Andrea Radrizzani a small fortune.
In the modern era players of Clarke’s natural dribbling ability are seldom secured for anything less than a premium price, so Leeds should count themselves lucky that a player of his talent has managed to rise through the ranks at Leeds.
If Leeds are ultimately promoted to the Premier League Radrizanni will be under pressure to splash the cash on fresh talent, but the presence of an attacking outlet like Clarke, who will only get better with further exposure at the highest level, should ensure that he can prioritise his spending elsewhere.
The staff who work tirelessly to prepare the next generation for life in senior football have clearly worked wonders with Clarke, and it should only be a matter of time before he truly sets Elland Road alight with his blistering pace and dynamism.
Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
