Went over to TA to watch the U21s today. Got a few surprises. Funniest one was the name of a centre half who came on for the second half - Ronaldo Viera. Apparently that is his name. It was on the team sheet, & a few people confirmed it was true. Once again, Sloth was played as a DM in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Looked good, actually. Pity we've never given him a run as an AM. After all, that's what we signed him for! I liked the look of Stokes. A lively attacking midfielder who's got goals in him (scored again today). Liked the way he got into the box. Our first team could take lessons from him. Botaka played & was absolutely average. If this is what Evans is seeing all the time, it comes as no surprise he's not making our bench, far less that first team. Tyler Denton had a quiet first half, but a very good second. I predicted on here a while ago that he & Coyle should break through this season, with Coyle being first. Got Coyle right, but not so sure Denton is quite ready yet. Not too far off, though. I got a huge surprise with Frank Mulhern. Last few times I've seen him play, he was a huge lump who meandered about the pitch offering nothing. Today he was possibly one of the more energetic players, and did a fantastic job playing up top on his own. Scored too, and even got back to clear danger ahead of everyone else. MOM for me, and if he's doing this consistently, he should be getting introduced to the 1st team asap. I honestly feel he could do a better job than Erwin, Doukara or Antenucci up front on his own. Apologies to all the Cellino haters for daring to discuss football matters.
Glad to here Mulhern is coming along. I've seen him twice and one time he was garbage and second time he was quality. What was the score?
We won 2-1, Rev. Forest never looked like scoring. I think they were more surprised than anyone when they actually managed one.
Guess I'm not the only one thinking the same about the u21 strikers. Not seen the other guy play, though, but loks like I should make a point of it! http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/02/26/three-leeds-united-players-who-can-be-their-marcus-rashford/? Watching a multi-million pound striker score goals is enjoyable, but seeing a young player come through a club's academy and hit the net regularly is priceless. Tottenham Hotspur have their own homegrown hero in Harry Kane, who seized his big chance when it came his way and is now an England international. Last night saw Manchester United pushed into handing teenager Marcus Rashford a chance, and he repaid them by scoring two goals. Championship side Leeds United do not have the option of playing a big money striker, and their most expensive addition in recent years, £3 million Chris Wood, remains out injured. With Mirco Antenucci failing to score since November and the club sitting in 17th position, now could be the time to gamble on sticking a teenager in the mix up front to see if he can galvanise the club. Here are three options Leeds could give chances to between now and the end of the season... Frank Mulhern Ireland youth international Frank Mulhern made a strong impression for Leeds' youth teams early in the season, scoring for both the under-18s and under-21s. Described by manager Paul Hart as a 'throwback' in terms of his physical approach, he is the sort of player who would relish being thrown into the first team. He is also able to play off a main frontman, telling the club website this season it is his preferred position. Eoghan Stokes Another Ireland youth international, Eoghan Stokes is a bright talent who netted two goals for the under-21 side earlier this week. The 19-year-old has four goals in nine appearances for Ireland's under-19 side, and his recent progress could push him to the front of the queue. Mallik Wilks Mallik Wilks has been in excellent form for the club's academy this season, scoring four goals in a single game in a 9-2 thrashing of QPR for the under-18s. He has also made the step up to the under-21s, and is the rawest of the trio, but arguably the one with the brightest potential. The speedy forward can play out wide on the wing, and would possess a youthful exuberance which could energise the team.
Nothing to lose, so should try the above. I bet we average about 3 shots on target per game over the last 3 months, which on current ticket prices makes that over £10 per shot paid by fans. I think Robbie McDaid had a two year deal which ends in a couple of months. Don't here much about his progress.
