OPINION
What a season this has been for the Leeds United academy.
The youth set-up has never looked in finer fettle as its age-group teams dominate their leagues and a production line of talent has graduated into the first team.
Jack Clarke and Bailey Peacock-Farrell have led the way by establishing themselves in Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but the likes of Jamie Shackleton, Leif Davis and Jordan Stevens have also been mainstays of the matchday squad.
One United teenager yet to make his senior bow was the talk of supporters in the wake of his barnstorming performance in Friday night’s Under-23s win against Notts County at Nethermoor Park.
Robbie Gotts, 19, delivered an outstanding display at right-back, running the visitors ragged with his powerful and tireless overlaps, while also demonstrating defensive steel and awareness.
The youngster can also play in more attacking roles, but Bielsa and the impressive Under-23s manager Carlos Corberan are eager for the club’s rising stars to learn a variety of positions.
Jamie Shackleton has played at right-back and in central midfield for the first team, just like Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, and looks destined for big things.
Harrogate-born Gotts looks ready to be the next cab off the rank.
He put some big names in the shade on Friday – notably senior trio Izzy Brown, Stuart Dallas and Gaetano Berardi – and has the potential to find himself in the Elland Road spotlight some time soon.