According to Express, Leeds United are among clubs chasing Thierry Small. The young Everton starlet is ready to snub a three-year contract extension at Goodison Park in favour of a move elsewhere. It has alerted the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal but the player’s desire to play first-team football could favour other interested clubs like Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
Thierry Small: One For The Future?
A product of the Everton youth academy, Thierry Small is considered among the most talented players in the side at the moment. He has enjoyed immense form with the U-18 squad despite being only 16, with the youngster almost destined to earn promotion next season, in case he does remain at Goodison Park in the summer.
A left-back by trade, Small is often compared to Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davies. Much like the Canadian international, the Everton starlet is blessed with the raw pace that helps him cover ground quickly as well as make marauding runs out wide. It also makes him a scourge on the counter.
In addition to his pace and trickery, the Englishman thrives technically, as he can not only play the ball out from the back but also has excellent awareness of his surroundings.
At the age of 16, Small does need to improve on many areas of his game. However, he has shown marvellous potential so far and his composure is well beyond his age, which suggests that the youngster is ready to take the next leap in his career.
Is Small A Good Option For Leeds United?
Leeds United should certainly make a move for Thierry Small this summer as the Yorkshire outfit are currently in an excellent position to offer him a decent amount of game-time next season.
One of their key wide players in Ezgjan Alioski is still facing an uncertain future at the club, with his contract at Elland Road expiring at the end of the season. The club also lacks a proper alternative for left-back Stuart Dallas, who has often been used in a number of other positions.
In Small, Marcelo Bielsa could find himself a defensive prodigy, whose pace and the attack-oriented game could ideally suit the Argentine’s dynamic tactical philosophy. The youngster has already shown a lot of potential in the youth competitions and could potentially thrive in a team that will allow him to express himself in the final third.
Small may still take some time settling into life in professional football but for a reported fee of just £1 million, he could be a real bargain as well as a smart long-term investment for the Whites this summer.
