17-year-old gives Daniel Farke another little nudge with 15th goal contribution for Leeds United U21s

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Leeds United U21s were in action for the penultimate time in 2024 on Friday as they faced Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2.

The Young Whites were beaten 4-2 on the night to leave them sat 17th in the table heading into the new year, in what has been an up and down season so far.

Charlie Crew was the headline name in the starting line-up for Leeds‘ U21s on Friday having been on the bench for the first time against Middlesbrough in midweek.

That would indicate that Leeds’ trio of injury doubts Jayden Bogle, Sam Byram and Max Wober are all fit enough to be in the squad for the trip to Preston North End.

Crew was on the bench in place of Bogle in midweek, but playing last night gives him little to no chance of making it to Preston for the game at lunchtime, meaning the Leeds full-back looks set to be fit again.

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Rhys Chadwick continues scoring spree for Leeds U21s

Despite a disappointing defeat at the hands of a side whose first team beat Leeds just a couple of weeks ago, it was another good night for Rhys Chadwick.

Chadwick has been in fine form for Leeds‘ U21s in the final third this season and that continued against Blackburn as he registered his 15th goal contribution of the season.

The 17-year-old opened the scoring after just three minutes with a nice close-range finish, but it was Blackburn who went into half-time with a comfortable lead after three goals in half-an-hour.

Joseph Snowdon missed a penalty for Leeds with the score at 2-1 and it wasn’t until late on that Louie Dudley reduced the deficit down to just one.

However, just moments later Blackburn rounded off the scoring to ensure Leeds left the LNER Community Stadium empty handed.

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Chadwick gives Farke another nudge

Sam Chambers, James Debayo and Crew have all been given debuts by Daniel Farke this season, but with the majority of the first team fit and available, opportunities look set to be limited.

Chadwick will be hoping he is next to be given the call by Farke, particularly given he plays in a position where Leeds aren’t exactly blessed with huge depth – number 10.

To be 17 and contributing so regularly with goal contributions at U21s level is very impressive from Chadwick, and perhaps it will be enough to tempt Farke into at least including him in the squad against Harrogate Town next month.