While it still feels too soon to make any confident predictions about how our season will play out, it is fair to say that Crysencio Summerville has definitely been one of the real success stories for Leeds United this term.
The Dutchman has long been considered a talent to look out for. He was someone not afraid to steal the show for the under-23s. However, going into this season, taking that next step appeared to be a big challenge for the winger.
Summerville made a handful of appearances for the first-team last season. However, he was rarely on the pitch for too long. And he was not able to provide a goal or assist.
Leeds handing Summerville new contract looks a masterstroke
So it may have come as a surprise in September when Leeds announced a new contract for Summerville, as well as Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt.
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The Dutchman is now tied down until 2026. And it seemed an interesting decision given that he was linked with a move away from Elland Road in the summer. The Athletic suggested that Nottingham Forest were amongst the clubs keen on securing his signature.
Now however, that decision to hand Summerville a new, long-term contract is looking like an absolute masterstroke.
Of course, Summerville has now scored four goals in his last four games. That includes the dramatic late winners against both Liverpool and Bournemouth. He also broke the deadlock at Tottenham before the World Cup break.
He is not the finished article just yet. And it is important to not only look at his goalscoring record. But there is absolutely no question that he has taken his game to the next level and been ‘exceptional‘ in recent months.
Had Leeds looked to open contract talks with Summerville now, it may have been a lot more difficult to agree terms. Certainly, the Whites would have likely needed to pay a lot more.
Should Summerville’s form continue, fresh talks may be required again in the not-too-distant future.
But Leeds made a big statement handing Summerville a long-term deal before he had really broken through. And they have been absolutely vindicated in the last few weeks.