Following Sunday’s dismal 3-0 defeat to League Two side Crawley Town, Leeds United’s Under-23 side were tasked with bringing back some of the feel-good factor among supporters – with a win over Burnley in Monday afternoon’s Premier League 2 clash away from home. Not only did they do that, but they went one step further and annihilated the opposition.
Crysencio Summerville scored a sublime hat-trick while Sam Greenwood continued his excellent start to life at Leeds United with a seventh Premier League 2 goal in nine games. Along with Summerville and Greenwood, Cody Drameh, Charlie Cresswell and Niall Huggins all enjoyed exceptional performances.
Below are three major things we learned from the sublime 4-1 win over Burnley’s second string.
Summerville finally comes good
It has been a tricky time for Summerville at Elland Road. Signed for £900,000 from Feyenoord, he had previously managed just four appearances for the club’s reserve team – only two of which have come in Premier League 2. But his fifth was one to remember, as his efficiency in front of goal saw him net three times.
A combined total of about 20 yards for all three goals should not take the gloss off the finishing. Certainly, it wasn’t just his form in front of goal that was impressive. The Netherlands Under-19 star was able to blitz past players thanks to his skill and pace, but knew when to play it safe. A 10/10 performance.
McKinstry adds another string to bow
The Scottish winger has played out wide for the majority of the campaign, left or right. He has impressed there but in a Marcelo Bielsa side and to stand any chance of breaking into the Argentine’s team, you must show versatility. On Monday, McKinstry did just that.
In front of Nohan Kenneh, McKinstry played in the Mateusz Klich role while Greenwood was used as Rodrigo is, behind Patrick Bamford. Though slightly understated, he proved that he is capable of that position.
Casey or Cresswell?
Sunday was a disappointing day for 20-year-old Olly Casey. Coming on at half-time, the centre-back was caught out and struggled against a Crawley side that stung Leeds on the counter. It comes after Casey has impressed in Premier League 2 for the club’s second string, and it is not the first time he has broken into the senior side.
But question marks have been asked over whether he can make the step up. He may even find he has competition in the form of Cresswell. Richard’s son has probably been the most-consistent performer in the reserves – showing leadership, maturity, no fear but plenty of technical quality too. Some of the criticism Casey received on social media has been over the top – the same for Jack Jenkins, but the argument that Cresswell should have been considered above Casey holds weight.
Cresswell is beginning to overtake Casey.
