OPINION
There were very few bright moments for Leeds United fans to celebrate last season – but the performances of their young, homegrown talent would have at least left a smile on some faces.
The Whites were sub-par with their displays and results on the way to a 13th placed finish in the Championship, and there were many senior members of the squad who were put to shame by their much more inexperienced counterparts.
The likes of Tom Pearce, Conor Shaughnessy and Bailey Peacock-Farrell all stepped out from the fringes and into the first team to impress the Elland Road faithful and give them hope about the future of their club.
Of the revelations in the first team it was perhaps Peacock-Farrell, the 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt), 21-year-old shot stopper who dazzled the most with his performances between the sticks, usurping both Andy Lonergan and Felix Weidwald to make the first team role his own.
However, despite his impressive displays, new boss Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly been seeking a new goalkeeper this summer, which should come as no surprise considering last year’s arrivals have both left the club.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay claims that there are a number of names on the shortlist for the manager, but that despite three potential arrivals, confusion reigns over who might come in.
at this stage I don't see Stockdale materialising either. Someone would need to budge. Gunn hasn't moved, Blackman is back in pre-season with Chelsea. Not sure how this one will turn out.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 9, 2018
With no direct competition, now is the time for Peacock-Farrell to steal the limelight during training and prove to Bielsa that he does not need a new number one but backup to the youngster, who has already done what he can to prove his worth when handed the chance by Paul Heckingbottom.
If he wants to be starting next season, he must be putting in the efforts now, before a new arrival comes and takes his chance from under his nose.