England coach says Leeds have a teen with ‘leadership’ qualities, he has ‘real energy’

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England Under-19’s manager Simon Rusk has been quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post as saying Leeds United teenager Darko Gyabi has “real energy” and has shown some “leadership” qualities while representing the 19’s.

On Wednesday night, the 19-year-old midfielder wore the armband as England’s Under-19 side secured a narrow 1-0 win at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium. Chelsea ace Charlie Webster scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

Gyabi captained the team on the night, in a side that also included Blackburn’s Ashley Phillips, Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, West Ham’s recent Europa Conference League goalscorer Divin Mubama and of course, Leeds man Sonny Perkins.

Speaking after the game, Rusk explained his decision to hand £5m Leeds man Gyabi the captain’s armband. Gyabi lasted 90 minutes before being taken off in the final moments – despite picking up a yellow card on the hour mark.

“He’s got real energy,” Rusk said – as per the Yorkshire Evening Post. “I think what I do have is, there are a few players who would possibly be deserving of the armband. We had the camp in September.

“Darko lent himself to some leadership roles, he captained the group in one of the games. We lost Sam Braybrooke unfortunately, due to a nasty injury earlier in the season so Darko’s stepped up to that well,” Rusk added.

Rusk says Leeds teenager Gyabi has energy and leadership qualities

Gyabi, who turned 19 only last month, has been in and around the Leeds first team this season. But with the club in the midst of a relegation battle, it has been difficult to give the teen chances. He has earned three senior outings.

But mostly, he has been shining in the 21’s for Leeds – playing 18 times and having a hand in six goals from midfield. There is no doubt there is a real talent in Gyabi and with Adam Forshaw leaving in June, he will step up the ladder.

Javi Gracia has included Gyabi on the bench in three of his five matches so far but is yet to use him. However, a regular in first-team training, Gyabi does have the platform to show Gracia and Leeds he deserves a chance.