Ian Poveda was Leeds United’s surprise success story from the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in pre-season.
The Whites secured their first win under the reign of Daniel Farke against Premier League opposition, producing their most accomplished performance of pre-season so far.
Farke handed minutes to a number of fringe players looking to stake their claim ahead of the new season, with Poveda, Jamie Shackleton, Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt all given at least 45 minutes to impress.
Poveda was introduced at the break in place of Luis Sinisterra and began his cameo on the right-hand side, showing some really neat bits of skill to constantly beat his marker.
Once Wilfried Gnonto was brought off the bench, Poveda was then moved inside into that number 10 position, replacing Gelhardt who was handed just over an hour.
Poveda leaves Gelhardt behind after display in Leeds win against Forest
Poveda was among Leeds’ most impressive performers at the Pirelli Stadium and may well have just staked a surprise claim for that number 10 position.
The 23-year-old had looked completely out of the picture at Elland Road given he has not played for Leeds since May 2021 and has spent the last two seasons away on loan.
However, Farke has clearly allowed everyone to start with a blank canvas and Poveda is doing his best to ensure he remains part of the plans, with his goal the cherry on top of his excellent performance.
Based on last night, Poveda may well have moved himself ahead of Gelhardt in that position, with the 21-year-old struggling to make an impact in his first start of pre-season.
Much of what Gelhardt was attempting in the final third just wasn’t working as he lost the ball frequently in some good attacking positions.
Though it is only one pre-season game and it is important not to get carried away, on last night’s evidence Poveda has done himself no harm.
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