Leeds United’s squad have been doing testing in the first couple of days after returning to Thorp Arch for pre-season, and one teenager has been spotted doing the bleep test with the first team.
Leeds posted a video earlier in the week which saw Daniel Farke’s squad reunite in the new training gear, completing tests in the gym. Georginio Rutter was seen saying he “wants to go home” after a power test.
The hard work starts as early as it has done, with Leeds soon to jet off to Germany to undergo a training camp and play a couple of friendlies. The club have confirmed fans will not be able to attend the games.
But Leeds return for a friendly against Harrogate Town on July 19th, and then face La Liga giants Valencia on August 3 before the Championship campaign starts on August 10 against Portsmouth at Elland Road.
Teenager spotted in doing bleep test with Leeds first team
Leeds boast a number of young stars that are pushing through. The obvious one is Mateo Joseph who is expected to play a significant role under Farke during 2024-25, while Charlie Crew made the sub’s bench.
Both Joseph and Crew were in the first of three groups to do a bleep test in the latest Leeds video, along with Joe Gelhardt, Charlie Cresswell, Sam Greenwood and “brilliant” 18-year-old talent James Debayo.
Debayo made himself a regular in the U21 side last season largely as a centre-back but also moving into midfield on occasion. He was on the bench in the 1-0 Carabao Cup loss to Wolves under Jesse Marsch.
Debayo promotion a sign he could be given Leeds role
It is interesting that Debayo was included over the likes of Diogo Monteiro and Kris Moore, both of whom are more established defenders in the 21’s. But also, Debayo’s inclusion might not be anything of note.
The winner of the first group was not specified, but Sam Byram won in the second group. A seven-man team including Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo, Dan James and Georginio Rutter.
The video ends with Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Pascal Struijk, the latter winning of the four. Patrick Bamford and Joe Rodon were not seen, while the goalkeepers didn’t take part.
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