Daniel Farke staged his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough, and raved about a 16-year-old coming through at Leeds United.
The Leeds manager watched his side draw 3-3 during Saturday’s opening game against Portsmouth and while Leeds came close to losing the match, Farke expressed his frustration at failing to win the match.
Brenden Aaronson scored in the 95th minute to equalise before missing a golden chance to win 4-3. The Whites dominated much of the match and could have scored six or seven, hitting the bar three times.
Leeds are expected to make a few changes ahead of Wednesday night and we predict six players to come in that didn’t start on Saturday, including Aaronson and fellow returning loanee Max Wober in defence.
Daniel Farke excited by potential of 16-year-old Sam Chambers
Another is midfield wonderkid Chambers, who was one of six young players called-up to the senior side for the trip to Germany. Farke may include Chambers is in his squad to take on Michael Carrick’s team.
Chambers caught the eye in pre-season alongside the likes of James Debayo, Charlie Crew and Harry Gray and even scored the third of a 3-0 win over Harrogate Town. Farke was asked about the Leeds youngster.
He said, as per LUTV: “I don’t like to talk too much in public especially if they haven’t played one minute competitively. 16 years old, in the spotlight but I don’t like to put too much weight on their shoulders.
“We see a lot of potential in him, and from a physical point he is pretty far ahead of his age. It is not very often you have a player like him in the squad. But there are no guarantees, you have to show something.
“He is adapting, improving week to week but I can’t predict if he’s ready to start a game. He’s improving and we like him, a really bright guy and open to learn. We want to keep him,” Farke said, on Chambers.
Leeds have all the time in the world with Chambers, at just 16
Of course, Archie Gray’s example will be hard to follow. But the Thorp Arch academy is renowned for producing enormous talent and while Leeds are in the Championship, there’s a chance of a breakthrough.
Gray has shown that youngsters can break in and Farke is ready to play them, age is simply just a number. But Chambers’ focus this season should be cementing his place in the U21 side and impressing there.
Should he do that, he will prove even further to Farke that he is ready to play for the senior side or maybe earn himself a loan to a club in League One or League Two next season. Chambers has time on his side.
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