OPINION
It was yet another brilliant display for Leeds United’s under-23 side on Monday night as they blew away Charlton in a performance which demonstrated why Marcelo Bielsa has so much faith in the club’s academy.
Young prospects have been the standout performers for the Whites this season, the likes of Jack Clarke and Kalvin Phillips deservedly stealing the limelight at times with their impressive outings despite their lack of experience in the game.
Bielsa’s willingness to throw youth into his first team when he believes they are ready will no doubt be a confidence boost for all those trying to make their way through the system and into the senior setup and there is one youngster who must be banging on the manager’s door for a chance to shine.
Step forward 17-year-old Mateusz Bogusz, who only arrived at Elland Road in January but is already tearing things up with the reserves.
Monday night saw him score his first goal in Leeds colours but that was simply the cherry on top what was already a confident and composed performance, outshining the majority of players from both sides on the Elland Road pitch.
A versatile midfielder, the youngster, who is yet to be given his chance among the first team, demonstrated a vast array of qualities, dissecting the Charlton defence with his vision and passing while controlling the game both on and off the ball.
He plays at a level well above his years and if this is what Leeds fans, not to mention the backroom staff, can come to expect then the Whites have a player and a half on their hands.
Jack Clarke demonstrated what a teenage talent can do when unleashed in the first team – Bogusz looks destined to follow in his teammate’s footsteps sooner rather than later.