---
title: "Leeds United: Two prospects impress in U21 defeat to Blackpool"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-two-prospects-impress-in-u21-defeat-to-blackpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Seychell"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2020-11-12T11:15:12Z"
modified: "2020-11-12T11:15:12Z"
---

# Leeds United: Two prospects impress in U21 defeat to Blackpool

**Leeds United were sadly knocked out of the EFL trophy as their U21’s [lost](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/blackpool-leeds-united-u21s-live-19261175) to Blackpool and finished [bottom](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/football-league-trophy/table) of the group.**

Despite the [3-0](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/blackpool-leeds-united-u21s-live-19261175) defeat, there were some good performances, and journalist Adam Pope reported on some youth stars who could be making a name for themselves following the game.

### Pope highlights two standouts

After the match, Pope [tweeted](https://twitter.com/apopey/status/1326637347241332738?s=20): ‘A 3-0 defeat for [#lufc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hashtag_click) U21s at Blackpool ends United’s FL Trophy participation. Cresswell & Huggins in the 2nd half stood out on a disappointing night.’

### The next starlets off Bielsa’s production line?

Bielsa has happily dipped into the youth sides at the club, with the[manager handing senior debuts](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/the-11-teenagers-marcelo-bielsa-has-handed-leeds-united-debuts/) to players like Jamie Shackleton and Leif Davies, amongst others. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if he did it again some time soon if the youth players put in a string of consistent performances.

He has [made sure](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/graham-smyth-what-makes-marcelo-bielsas-mix-youth-and-experience-just-right-blend-leeds-united-996324) that the club is treated as one big group ever since he arrived and has had a lot of input and involvement in the youth setup at Leeds.

Charlie Cresswell is only 18 and has made seven appearances for the U21 side in Premier League 2 this campaign ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/charlie-cresswell/profil/spieler/597659)). He was only promoted to the U21 side this season, and he must be making a very good impression if he is standing out against a senior Blackpool side already.

Meanwhile, 19 year-old Niall Huggins was promoted to the U21 side at the start of the 2019/20 campaign ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/niall-huggins/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/559801)). He is also featuring a lot in Premier League 2 as he has picked up five appearances and one assist.

Neither have made senior showings yet so are completely unknown to a large section of the fan base, but that may not be the case for much longer.

***In other Leeds-related news, Phillips has teased when he could return from injury. Have a read when it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-united-kalvin-phillips-could-return-from-injury-to-face-arsenal/)!***