Injuries are never good for any team, and one can say that the recent run of injuries in the last month for Leeds United have cost them their top spot. They currently sit on the third spot, so there is no massive slip up as of now. However, injuries to first-team players often give chances to young players and someone like Jack Clarke would be glad that he managed to make his debut against Brentford.
The 17-year-old winger came on in the last 20 minutes of the game and looked assured. Leeds are going to get some of their key players back after the international break, but gaining experience in the first team would have done a world of good for the 17-year-old forward. Clarke was even chased by Manchester City when he was 16, but the Englishman decided to sign his first professional contract with the West Yorkshire outfit.
Clarke’s performance at the u-23 level has been outstanding, and he always seemed like he was destined for a place in the senior squad soon. With this, United’s procession of bringing in academy players to the first team continues, and the Whites faithful would hope that he can be a significant contributor as the season progresses.
Recently the youngster opened about his debut and said,“When I first got told I was going to come on it didn’t hit me straight away, I just got ready straight away and got on the pitch as soon as I could, “There was a minute or so when the ball went out of play and Marcelo and Carlos (Coberan) told me to go out there and enjoy it and seize the moment.
“It was brilliant, I felt nervous standing on the side of the pitch and that is when it started to feel real, but I enjoyed every minute of it. As soon as I came on you could tell the intensity was much harder, it is more physically demanding and everyone is so focused, no-one is switched off and the fans lift everything. Coming on and making my debut was such a proud moment for my family because they’ve given so much for me to be in this position.”- he added further.
In the u-23 games, Clarke has played with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Jamie Shackleton, Lewis Baker; who are all part of the senior team. If one would have seen those games, the 17-year-old clearly often stood out and looked like the one who had an actual first team experience.
The fact that he is just 17 makes it even more special and the Whites management would know that they have a top talent in their hand. All he needs to do is keep working hard and his game time would soon come. One shouldn’t be surprised if he starts getting into matchday squads regularly even when certain players are back from injury.
