03 Dec 2021 21:53:03
Another disappointing defeat tonight for the U23s
the U23s had started this season fairly well with the highlight being the thrashing of Liverpool U23s away 4 nil with Joffy having a superlative match that day.
but since then struggled defensively in the past 5 games or so against admittedly strong teams in Chelsea etc conceding three or more goals a game, some indiscipline with sendings off,
hopefully things will improve results and goals concessions wise.
04 Dec 2021 06:37:57
I think they will be going straight back down at this rate. A constantly changing line up probably doesn't help with some of the better players being taken for the senior team. I can't help but think though that if our youth team are the shining lights we hope they are they should be doing better in the u23 league. I also worry that the likes of Joffy not getting games (aware he did yesterday) for the u23s and then also not getting minutes i the firsts cannot be good for development.
04 Dec 2021 06:48:03
Yes Alf.
Confusing strategy.
If they don’t play for U23s. No point just sitting on the bench. He took him off at half time so hoping jof and bam bam get half each tomorrow.
There dosent seem to be a clear plan. I believe having youngsters on bench but not regularly playing is pointless. Messes up both teams.
Def affected U23s that’s for sure.
04 Dec 2021 08:06:28
I think most of Bielsa’s choices have been vindicated concerning the youth, he has a certain process of dealing with them. They must earn the right to be chosen for the first team, so often these young players are built up to appear much better than they are, the expectations become enormous they then can’t wear it and subsequently fade away into obscurity.
Take Jack Clarke for a prime example, then there’s Ryan Edmonson, Leif Davis, Alfie McCalmont, Jordan Stevens and Robbie Gotts all surplus to requirements, apart from McCalmont who may have a future with Leeds?
It’s a thin line they walk upon as to whether they are are successful or failures. That’s why I totally trust Bielsa’s procedure in developing these potentially young stars for Leeds Utd.
04 Dec 2021 09:10:12
The Club will know that it really can’t risk the U23s getting relegated, as the step up from PL2 Division 2 to first team in the Prem is a very steep one, so existing Academy prospects will not be adequately prepared for the first team, and relegation might compromise our ability to attract top prospects from other academies.
My guess is that Cresswell, Greenwood, Joffy, Summerville and Drameh will get more U23s gametime in the second half of the season to help ensure their relegation is averted - particularly if the first team injury crisis doesn’t return, as not playing our top u23s as much so far may have been partly to help guard against injuries in case they needed to play in the forthcoming Prem games. A few first teamers needing gametime to maintain match fitness could also be pressed into service with the U23s if necessary.
The upside of the ‘weakening’ of the U23s in the first half of the season is that a significant number of u18 squad have been exposed to the rigours of U23s duty. This will mean the likes of Max Dean, Kris Moore, Seb Carole and Archie Gray are much better prepared for the time when they need to step up full time to that level - which will hopefully help safeguard the U23s from relegation on their watch. This may or may not have been part of the thinking behind the U23s selection decisions so far this season, but either way it would seem to be a positive thing.
04 Dec 2021 09:53:34
If you read Jackson’s post match report he details that “Joffy was scheduled to play a much needed 90minutes†but after taking a knock just prior to half time was substituted.
I believe the management of our youngsters by Bielsa has been superb, I cannot think of many PL sides who have successfully blooded more academy players than Leeds.
Totally get the importance of maintaining premier 2 status for Leeds and also that winning becomes a habit. But the the primary purpose of any academy is to generate future first team stars.
Yes the U23s tanked Liverpool with what is considered our best u23 team but when you look at the respective first teams results truly are secondary but sadly part of the ‘everything now, at all cost mindset’.
04 Dec 2021 12:42:30
I think having the u23 games on a Friday is daft. Better on a Monday so you know who has been used and who needs a run out.
04 Dec 2021 12:46:50
You got to make your mind up.
Only reason U23s in first team is injuries
And no proper replacements.
Dress it up how u like.
05 Dec 2021 07:37:24
Right, but that's one reason Bielsa likes a smaller squad, as it gives everyone a better chance of playing and gives young players a chance. Can't have it both ways.