Ben Parker has told the LS11 podcast on Thursday morning that Darko Gyabi has been in “cruise control” for Leeds United’s Under-21 side because he is too good for that level – but says a step up to the Premier League is too big.
Gyabi, 19, has broken into the first team at Leeds on three occasions this season, but has been unable to surge past the likes of Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie in the middle of the park. He is a regular for the 21’s.
Indeed, Gyabi has had a hand in six goals in 18 games – scoring two, creating four. During the international break, Gyabi captained England’s Under-19 side. With Adams injured, Gyabi is more than likely to be involved at Arsenal.
Ex-Leeds man Parker was asked what he thought of the £5m man. He says he has been head and shoulders above everyone else in the second tier of PL2, but the step up is too big from that, to a Premier League relegation scrap.
“He’s too good for the 21’s but the 21’s are in the second tier of PL2. He stands out. He has been in cruise control. That level, to Premier League football, fighting relegation, it is a different kettle of fish. Definitely one for the future.
“He’s going to be a great player for us. He’s an old-school midfielder, sits in and breaks it up but can bomb forward, range of passing. Would I start him now? No. Roca and McKennie are the two – but as an option, good to have him.”
Parker says Gyabi has been in cruise control for Leeds Under-21 side
Gyabi will be needed. Roca and McKennie will start against Arsenal in midfield, even if McKennie has had the flu during the international break. Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw are sidelined. Gyabi will be definitely on the bench.
Roca has rarely completed 90 minutes in the Premier League this season and Gyabi will surely be given a chance from the bench in the coming fixtures. Sam Greenwood can sit deeper but is better further forward in a Leeds shirt.
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