Darko Gyabi is proving to be one of England’s best players at the U20 World Cup, at a time when Leeds are lacking real quality in the middle of the park – so, should Sam Allardyce have taken a leaf out of Frank Lampard’s book?
The 19-year-old midfielder completed the entire 90 minutes in England’s first game. A 1-0 win over Tunisia. Then, on Thursday, the £5m signing from Manchester City scored the all-important winner in a 3-2 win over Uruguay.
A win that sees England qualify for the last 16, with a game to spare – against Group E’s bottom side Iraq. Gyabi has been instrumental in the middle of the park, despite having never played for England’s Under-20 side beforehand.
Indeed, Gyabi captained the 19’s in the previous international break – playing only three times for the Leeds first team. Even with Tyler Adams’ injury, Gyabi has failed to make the matchday squad for the last eight League games.
But his performances in Argentina are proof that perhaps, Gyabi should have been handed a chance. His ability in transition, creativity, work rate without the ball – he is everything Leeds have lacked in midfield. A bit of energy.
Leeds should have taken leaf out of Lampard book with Gyabi
Leeds allowed Gyabi to travel to South America, along with Mateo Joseph. Meanwhile, Adam Forshaw, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie are struggling to get it right in the Premier League. Lampard, though, was not as forgiving.
With Chelsea duo Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante picking up injuries, Lampard blocked Carney Chukwuemeka from travelling with the U20’s. That is despite manager Ian Foster picking him. He could link up with the squad.
Despite having little to play for, Lampard kept him at Stamford Bridge for the last three League games. Perhaps, given Gyabi’s form in Argentina, and the lack of quality in our midfield – Allardyce should have mirrored Lampard.
