Leeds United midfielder Darko Gyabi was on the scoresheet for England U20s on Thursday night in a 3-2 win over Uruguay.
In England’s toughest game of the group stage, Gyabi netted a superb goal to put England 3-1 ahead in stoppage time and move onto six points in the group.
The 19-year-old displayed a wide array of his abilities for the goal as he dribbled past a couple of defensive challenges before steering a lovely effort into the far corner.
With only Iraq left to play, England are now almost certain to top Group E as Gyabi and Leeds teammate Mateo Joseph both look to earn international silverware.
Gyabi can be Leeds’ Lavia
Gyabi made the move to Leeds from Manchester City last summer in a deal said to be worth in the region of £5 million.
To spend that sort of money on a player who hadn’t really got near City’s first team was a huge show of belief in the potential of Gyabi, though he has been handed only three senior appearances this season.
Romeo Lavia, meanwhile, also departed City 12 months ago as he made the switch to Southampton. The two were often midfield partners in City’s U21s side, which won PL2 Division 1 in their final season at the club.
Despite Southampton’s relegation, Lavia’s first full season as a Premier League player has seen him become one of the most sought after young midfielders in the division.
The Saints are said to be quoting clubs in the region of £50 million for the teenager, which will be a significant amount of profit from what they bought him for just a year ago.
Both players will have undoubtedly received an excellent footballing education from their time at City, and it is now time for Leeds to blood Gyabi.
Gyabi did not look out of place in any of his three Leeds first team appearances, and if the Whites are to go down on Sunday, it could leave the door wide open for him to make his breakthrough.
Weston McKennie is set to return to Juventus, while Marc Roca is already in talks with Real Betis. Tyler Adams will also not be short of suitors.
Leeds have made it their aim to recruit some of the country’s best young talent in recent years and it is time to start using them.