Leeds United are blessed to have Marcelo Bielsa as the Elland Road chief for the second successive season. The veteran Argentine has not only transformed the Whites into prime promotion contenders but also promoted the youth who are making strides in the first-team set-up to stake a claim in the gaffer’s long-term plans.
The rise of Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton have been exemplary as many more youngsters are now thriving in their academy ranks with an objective to earn senior minutes under the legendary manager. According to former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, 19-year-old Robbie Gotts is next in the line to make it big in West Yorkshire.
“He’s a real talent and has the ‘wow’ factor. He can play centre-midfield or in the number 10 role. He is fantastic on the ball, very composed and has a great range of passing. He’s going to have to bide his time as there is real competition for places at Leeds, but I can see him reaching the top.”
Whelan told Football Insider as he hailed the teenager’s progress through the reserve leagues.
Why Gotts Is The Next Big Thing At Leeds United
Gotts was named in Leeds’ matchday squad at Oakwell versus Barnsley but is yet to make his first-team debut. He, however, continues to impress for the U23s having scored and assisted one against Watford on Monday night in their thumping 6-0 triumph.
Despite featuring in central midfield, the starlet has proved his versatility while featuring down the flanks as well as in a makeshift fullback role in the recent past.
Bielsa has preferred training over transfer throughout his regime and Gotts, who offers so much flexibility on the pitch, would be a perfect fit attuning to his philosophies and managerial masterclass.
Where He Should Be Deployed In The Forthcoming Future
Although Leeds have enough depth as well as quality almost in every slot, injuries have often hindered them from attaining season goals in the recent past. Gotts has excelled in a box-to-box role, as a ‘number 10’ and also down the wide but should be utilised in the middle of the park for his pace, swift skills, ball control and down the middle runs.
He is yet to flourish fully and deploying him on the flanks would confine his potential. His vision is laudable, and the ability to find the right pass even under pressure depict how much the youngster has blossomed while orchestrating the show occupying the central role.
