Daniel Farke has included a handful of youngsters for Leeds United’s trip to Germany this pre-season with 27 players at his disposal, and one of those is already being vocal with much more senior stars.
The Leeds squad flew to Germany on Sunday morning and Farke had them out training a few hours later. The likes of Brenden Aaronson, Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo and plenty more were all in action for Leeds.
With two friendlies lined-up before a return to Yorkshire for a friendly against Valencia on August 3, Farke will be putting his squad through their paces. Jayden Bogle has linked up with the Leeds squad already.
He will take part in Monday’s sessions, and other new signings could join the Leeds squad in Germany over the course of the next few days. Six youngsters meanwhile, have travelled with the senior Leeds side.
‘Brilliant’ teenager already spotted being vocal with Leeds players
Before this summer, 18-year-old James Debayo might not have been a name recognised by most Leeds fans. But Debayo featured in the early Leeds bleep test video and started against Harrogate last Friday.
The lofty defender, who can also play in midfield, has been previously described as “brilliant” by Michael Skubala. He is yet to make his competitive first-team debut but with Charlie Cresswell gone, he is close.
Graham Smyth is in Germany for the Evening Post and he reported of how the “quietly-spoken” Debayo was more than willing to be anything but quiet on the pitch, letting elder players know his thoughts.
“A teenager, still, and just about as inexperienced as they come in this travelling party but the centre-back showcased some real composure on the ball. He received plenty of encouragement from Daniel Farke.
“Seemingly quietly-spoken off the pitch, he was vocal with more senior players on it. If he can impress Farke sufficiently then maybe can slot into the support and back-up role Cresswell had last season.”
The other five youngsters joining James Debayo in Germany
Debayo’s form for the U21 side last season clearly caught the eye of Farke, enough to bring him into the first-team environment and even start him against League Two side Harrogate last Friday, a 3-0 win.
Harry Christy is one of the more-experienced members of the U21 side and he is one of four goalkeepers in Germany, while Sam Chambers scored last Friday and he is also included in the travelling party.
Archie Gray’s younger brother Harry is also included at just 15, as is Luca Thomas and one-time Wales star Charlie Crew. All six will hope to make an impression over the next few days under Farke’s watchful eye.
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