Leeds United have been one of the busiest teams in the market this summer, following their promotion to the Premier League. They have managed to retain the services of last season’s star performers including Jack Harrison, Illan Meslier and Helder Costa. However, one signing that has gone under the radar is Dani van den Heuvel.
The young goalkeeper joined the club’s U-18 team, on a free transfer from the Ajax U-17s. In this article, we will discuss how Dani van den Heuvel can make an impact at Leeds United in the upcoming season.
Part of the revolution
For any avid Leeds United follower, perhaps the most noticeable prospect in this ongoing transfer window has been the club’s massive investment in youth development. Indeed, the Whites have signed numerous promising players so far as Andrea Radrizzani looks to impose his business model at Elland Road.
Charlie Allen has already impressed the onlookers following his move from Linfield. Meanwhile, both Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt are likely to be considered as a part of the club’s senior side in the upcoming season. In addition, Leeds have also been linked with a move for Arsenal’s Sam Greenwood.
van den Heuvel, in that regard, seems to be a major part of Leeds’ revolution in its youth department. It indicates the fact that the Yorkshire outfit are willing to offer their young players a chance to impress at the highest level of football rather than following the Aston Villa model by spending a shedload of money in the market.
Why did van den Heuvel choose Leeds United?
It was interesting to see a prospect like van den Heuvel choosing Leeds United over Ajax in the first place. But the decision is reflective of the club’s potential intention to revolve their identity around young players and the goalkeeping department serves as an ideal example.
The Whites are broadly expected to rely on the young Meslier as their main-man in between the sticks. It would make him one of the youngest first-team goalkeepers in the Premier League next season.
For van den Heuvel, it serves as an indicator of the club’s audacity and the fact that they are willing to give youngsters a chance to prove themselves.
Can van den Heuvel prosper at Elland Road?
One might argue that Marcelo Bielsa still has goalkeeping options in Kiko Casilla and Meslier. But, a close observation suggests that the former is facing an uncertain future, following a suspension and a rather inconsistent run of performances this past season.
Meslier, meanwhile, has played only a handful of games in the Championship so far. It remains to be seen whether or not the Frenchman can live up to the expectations in the Premier League and that is where an opportunity could open up for van den Heuvel in the upcoming campaign.
In the meantime, however, the 17-year-old must improve and make a quick impression for Leeds’ U-18 side if he is to have any hopes of moving ahead of Kamil Miazek and Elia Caprile in the pecking order.
