Couldn't get a feed that worked for whole match so radio and Israeli commentary at times it was!
Injuries to Ayling and Bamford meant that maybe more youngsters started than would have otherwise, but I think these cup matches are vital for giving a few youngsters a chance to play first team pace and see if theyre up for it.
Shackleton has matches under his belt, but great experience for Cresswell and Summerville.
Rodrigo looked lively, but I'm sorry to say not 30m lively and if Bamford injured for any real length of time Rodrigo has a lot of stepping up to do. Can Gelhardt step up? I think we might well see if Bamford is out as not sure Rodrigo will be lasting 90 minutes. Perhaps Roberts will play up top, if so, he really needs to add goals to his game.
Firpo looked absolutely shocking in first half of first half, managing to pass the ball out of play from 3 yards and I must say for first time I really missed Alioski.
Just overall, we're not dominating. With Bielsa's system Best England midfielder Philips (who was superb), 30m Rodrigo, 25m James, 13 mill Firpo and Klich and Dallas, we have to be showing more than we did against Championship opposition.
I thought point of U23s was that they play same system and can slot in when needed but we looked disjointed and commentary saying we ran out of steam, its disappointing to see fitness not quite there.
What did impress me was how cool the youngsters were in penalty shootout and yet again our keeper shows he's worth as much as a good striker.
I hope that this win is motivational for the side and that Bamford and Ayling aren't out for long, that Bielsa has a little more trust in trying the youngsters, but also that they take these chances with both hands as they don't come along that often.
Well done Leeds.
Thoughts from last night
posted on 22/9/21
"Thought Cresswell after 10 minutes was excellent."
And this is why U23s need more than just 3 minutes at the end of a match. We need to find a way to give them more time.
Easy to do when you're 4-0 up, which we had at times last season, so we have had the chances to give them chances, but we're not in those positions this season so far.
posted on 22/9/21
Initially Cresswell set up on the right of central defence, once he moved to his more natural position on the left he was excellent.
Cooper will always start on the left so this may be an issue that will prevent Cresswell from starting against West Ham.
posted on 22/9/21
Is it just me (and I am not saying he's anything like the same type of player) but does anyone else think young Charlie looks a bit like John Charles.
posted on 22/9/21
Cresswell needs to be out on loan in the championship
posted on 22/9/21
Cresswell will need to start next game I think
posted on 22/9/21
Cresswell was excellent, can win an aerial and was confident bringing the ball out.
I was watching on ESPN, at the beginning the fans were belting out MOT and I thought bloody hell that is loud and just then they dialed it down…our fans were awesome! Many little kids in the Fulham end probably want to be Leeds now.
posted on 22/9/21
Was really impressed with Creswell
Summerville showed glimpses. Seen enoigh in the u23s to think he could be an asset
posted on 22/9/21
Two best players on the pitch were Cresswell and Meslier, both garnered praise from the journos covering the match. Those who watch the U23's regularly will know that Charlie was doing what he does week in week out for the kids. Better than Struijk was at the same age. I cannot recall the game but one tackle last year was probably one of the best centre back tackles I have ever seen. Yes I get that there is huge gulf between the 23's and Premier League but often the U23's is played at such a frenetic pace and a tackle is a tackle. It is clear when people come on and are critical of the U23's that they don't watch the games.
I thought Crysencio did ok, he was up against a big burly grown up defender, he can do better but as a full debut he did ok and was certainly better than Costa and Poveda. He was no worse than James on the other flank.
As I said in the game, Joffy was let down by the service and I have no idea what position McKinstry came on to play, he has been starting at left back for the U23's, I think the substitution was ill thought through.
I thought the problem was with established players, Dallas has looked a shadow of the player we saw last year, Firpo started poorly, got better but ended poorly, Klich wasn't at his best but when he got taken off we got worse, Roberts was his usual self, ineffective, and was quite rightly withdrawn early doors.
I am concerned for this season the team looks like they have never played together before. What has happened over the closed season?
Yes the U23's need minutes but the 1st team need to get their act together.
posted on 22/9/21
Summerville looks very raw, he’s got talent though.
It’s one game but I thought Cresswell was awesome. He’s a unit as well, doesn’t seem like he’d struggle physically.
posted on 23/9/21
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 22 hours, 2 minutes ago
"Thought Cresswell after 10 minutes was excellent."
And this is why U23s need more than just 3 minutes at the end of a match. We need to find a way to give them more time.
Easy to do when you're 4-0 up, which we had at times last season, so we have had the chances to give them chances, but we're not in those positions this season so far.
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Agree entirely. I made this same point at the end of last season; it was batted back with the usual ‘Bielsa knows best’. Well, we know even Bielsa admits he makes mistakes; I just get the feeling he’s quite selective with those he admits!