Noel Whelan

Sat 18 September 2021 15:45, UK

Leeds United decision-makers deserve credit for pumping “big money” into the youth setup and unearthing gems like Crysencio Summerville.

So says Whites ambassador Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the 19-year-old made his debut last night (17 September).

The Dutchman was substituted into the action with a little over 20 minutes to play in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

Summerville was unable to turn one point into three but did show bursts of the ability that has earned him a reputation as a rising star at Thorp Arch.

And the wide man’s rise to the first team can be traced back to the investment and work behind the scenes at Leeds, insists Whelan.

“He was brilliant,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.

“He has come over from Holland at a young age. Last season he developed, this season he’s got even better.

“He has been an ever-present in the squad since the start of the season and really deserves his chance.

“It was nice to get a glimpse of him and I think there’s plenty more to come.

“It was a difficult game for him to come into but we saw some nice touches, the pace he has, and that all-around nice style.

“We have put big money into our youth in order to develop players right. A lot of credit has got to the coaches of the under-23s.

“Everyone else has played their part as well and kept these boys’ feet firmly on the ground.”

In other news, Leeds United tipped by Danny Mills to axe Rodrigo and make hardly-seen player new number 10.