OPINION
Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen needs to give Ronaldo Vieira his first league start of the season on Tuesday for the Championship encounter against Fulham.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been eased back into action due to his involvement this summer in helping England win the Toulon Tournament.
He was absent from the opening day squad against Preston, but has since picked up 90 minutes in the cup win over Port Vale and was a second-half substitute on Saturday against Preston.
The Yorkshire giants recorded a 0-0 draw at Elland Road against Preston and Vieira was one of the standout performers when he was introduced.
The central midfielder came on to the pitch after 61 minutes and delivered a combative display to frequently help win the ball back for his side.
His development last season from the academy was a major positive and he has proven that he is good enough to warrant a starting XI position.
Vieira is an energetic powerhouse that is one of the Championship’s best young talents and must be promoted to the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips should be the unfortunate casualty from the team and his inconsistency means he belongs on the bench.
The academy graduate delivered a man of the match performance in the opening game of the season as he scored twice in the 3-2 win over Bolton.
However, he was well below par against Preston and failed to have a serious impact on the match.
Vieira looked much livelier when he replaced teammate Phillips and was much more productive in possession too.
It is refreshing for Leeds to have two of their academy products make such a big impact on the first team, but it’s currently Vieira who belong in the side alongside the more experienced Eunan O’Kane.