For the Leeds fans that have followed the Under-23 side’s pursuit of promotion from Premier League 2 Division 2 to the top tier – the majority will say the same thing about defender Cody Drameh. A rock-solid right-back with incredible strength that has become one of the most-consistent performers of Mark Jackson’s reserve side since his move from Fulham.
Signed for £1million (Sun) from Fulham at the start of last season, Drameh has since started 18 of the 20 Premier League 2 fixtures Leeds have played this season – a campaign in which sees Leeds needing just two wins from their remaining four fixtures to gain promotion. An England Under-20 international, the hype surrounding Drameh is enormous among fans.
On Monday afternoon, Drameh helped Leeds earn a crucial 2-1 win over Newcastle at Thorp Arch. It was a match which showed just how far Leeds have come – using game management to their advantage and hold on to the three points whereas before, they have been poor when it comes to holding onto a victory. Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell got the goals.
Drameh was excellent for Leeds. Not only was he winning the ball back on numerous occasions, but he was excellent in the air, and drove his side forward with the long stride he boasts. But what was perhaps surprising for Leeds fans was his post on social media after the match – in which he stated that it was not one of his best performances.
But what it does show, is that Drameh has exactly the right mentality instilled in him. You hear footballing legends state time after time, that quality is not what gets you to the top – but it is mentality and work rate. Certainly, under Marcelo Bielsa, you need quality, work rate and the right mentality – and the Instagram post proves that Drameh has all three.
As he continues his meteoric rise at Premier League 2 level, Drameh is also beginning to show that he not only has the quality and potential to play for Leeds in the Premier League – but he also has the mentality to thrive at senior level.
