OPINION
Izzy Brown made his comeback for the Under-23s today and came through the match unscathed and scored the two goals in a 2-0 win against Crewe – his first goals for Leeds.
It will be a huge relief to fans after he broke down in his last comeback for the Under-23s, something which has put his estimated first-team return back to mid-February.
Some Leeds fans were hoping he might be back to the first-team quicker, but as a few supporters watching pointed out, despite his goal today, Brown looked off the pace.
That’s not surprising – he hasn’t played a first-team game for over a year now. And one fan said he looked a “million miles away” from the senior team.
However, the Bielsa plan is to build his match fitness up with four or five outings for the Under-23s before hopefully integrating him into the first-team squad.
And today’s game was a significant step in the right direction, with Brown having other chances to score in the second-half, with one shot stinging the heads of the Crewe keeper.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans to Brown’s display against Crewe today:
https://twitter.com/markrikko/status/1084810887465193476
Announce promotion
— phil (@loveleeds80) January 14, 2019
Needs the game time as he has looked a bit off pace here and few wayward passes. Still a bit away to look at pushing for a start under MB. Few more games and hopefully stay injury free can help us.
— Andy Longstaff (@ClipperBoyz) January 14, 2019
— Darren South (@ddsouth1919) January 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/D_Dunne1/status/1084811341544738817
1pm: Izzy Brown returns from injury…
1:42pm: Izzy Brown scores.Simple as that?#lufc #footballindex
— Bealo (@bealolufc) January 14, 2019
Mr Obvious Comment Alert: A healthy Izzy Brown would be like a big signing for us. #lufc https://t.co/pOVcEkvd8z
— Marco Mollicola ???? (@Mollicola) January 14, 2019
We all dream of a team of Izzy Browns…. #lufc
— Neils Diamond (@NeilsDiamond) January 14, 2019
Halme & Diaz looking very tidy. Good to see Pearce bombing down the wing. Philips a cut above but Brown looks a million miles away from our starting 11.
— Paul (@UpThePeacocks) January 14, 2019
I reckon Brown will be on bench on Saturday. Let's hope he doesn't sneeze and pull his hamstring by then #LUFC #mot #ALAW
— leeds united spares (@SparesLeeds) January 14, 2019
Easily the sharpest I've seen Brown for U23s. Some real signs of the kind of player you know he can be & looks much nearer the first team than before recent minor injury. Gotts, Davis & Hosannah have all changed this game 2nd half too. Phillips imperial throughout #lufc
— Jon Howe (@jonhowe1971) January 14, 2019