Young Leeds United players to watch for in 2019/2020 - Part 2
26 Jun 2019 06:46 pm, by YorkshireSquare
Kun Temenuzhkov
Country: Bulgaria | DOB: 01/02/2000 | Position: Attacker
Some call him the Bulgarian Aguero and there are similarities in the way he plays. A powerful lad who can glide past defenders and can play up front or attacking midfield. Signed from Barcelona in July 2017 he has featured in The Guardian's "60 of the best young talents in world football" list, who likened him to Luis Suárez. Eligible to represent Bulgaria and Spain he has represented Bulgaria through youth levels. Made his debut for the first team alongside Clarke Oduor in the FA Cup defeat to QPR. Will be most remembered last season for his stunner against Coventry in the PDL play-off semi-finals.
Alfie McCalmont
Country: Northern Ireland | DOB: 25/03/2000 | Position: Midfielder
Employed as both an attacking and holding midfielder last season. His passing ability, dictating of play, providing an attacking spark and willingness to throw himself into a tackle means he fits the holding midfield role well. He is viewed by some fans as one of the most exciting prospects to come through the Leeds system in recent seasons. Yorkshire born but he has featured for Northern Ireland at youth level and trained with the senior squad this spring. Put pen to paper on a new deal in January to keep him at Leeds until 2021.
Ryan Edmondson
Country: England | DOB: 20/05/2001 | Position: Striker
Signed from York City in November 2017 he has come a long way in the past 12 months. Made his debut for Leeds in the Championship on the last day of the 2017/2018 season at just 16 years of age but looks leaner and fitter 12 months on. A tall, powerful striker he scored 19 goals for the U23s last season and has the potential to lead the line for Leeds United in the future. Paul Heckingbottom said of Edmondson "He’s a good guy and he gives everything to be a footballer, that’s what we want." and former boss at York City, Martin Gray believes he can make it as a Premiership player.
Clarke Oduor
Country: Kenya | DOB: 25/06/1999 | Position: Winger/Wing Back
Nairobi born Odour signed for Leeds in January 2017 and was handed the number 54 shirt last season. Naturally left footed he can play left wing or left back he provided crucial assists to the prolific Edmondson for the U23s last season. Leif Davis may have been given the nod for the first team when cover was required this season but many fans highlight Odour as a more exciting prospect. Strong, quick and intelligent he made his debut for the first team alongside Kun Temenuzhkov in the FA Cup third round defeat to QPR, a month later he signed a contract extension until the summer of 2020.
Kamil Miazek
Country: Poland | DOB: 15/08/1996 | Position: Goalkeeper
Once a Feyenoord youngster, Miazek signed on trial initially in October 2017, making the deal permanent in January 2018. He is a bit down the goalkeeping pecking order at Leeds, missing out on first team action when Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Jamal Blackman were injured with Will Huffer getting the call up instead. But many fans rate him as being better than Peacock-Farrell and Huffer and has impressed for the U23s, saving two penalties in the Professional Development League final shootout. He earned a one-year contract extension in May but at nearly 23 and with Harrison Male and Joshua Rae pushing from the younger age groups this needs to be his breakthrough season.
Young players to watch in 2019/2020 Part 1 >>
Thanks to SG90, Cjay, faaip and Chilli D for the player suggestions, check out the Leeds United Under-23's thread on our forums to join the discussion.