Leeds fans lost yet another game in the Championship last night, this time suffering a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.
The result might not have been a surprise but the marked difference between the performances of the senior players and the Under-23s that Paul Heckingbottom has drafted in was.
And while goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Tom Pearce came in for praise, Leeds fans thought that enforcer Paudie O’Connor was “outstanding”.
The 20-year-old only made his debut a week ago against Sunderland but he’s already become a fan favourite.
He was up against a dazzling Aston Villa attack hellbent on hauling back the two teams above them in the chase for automatic promotion, and fresh off a brilliant win against Cardiff.
And, for the most part, O’Connor kept them at bay, and had the Leeds fans rushing onto Twitter to praise him.
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He’s one of the few shining lights in a season that most fans will want to forget.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans to the 20-year-old’s display:
Despite the defeat, some positives from the game last night, where I thought we deserved a draw. The back 5 looked much better and again second half, we dominated possession until late on. Pearce and O’Connor were outstanding but Pennington had his best game in a Leeds shirt.
— Jez (@JezBrett1) April 14, 2018
Only 3 positive for me BPF, Pearce and O’Connor other than if we are happy with last night performance god help us we are one rudderless club going nowhere #lufc
— Andy Firth (@AndrewFirth21) April 14, 2018
O’Connor, Pearce, BPF have something to build on did well considering age and experience. The rest I have to wonder how they made it never mind got the chance to play for a club like Leeds and don’t get me started on lassoga !!
— Mark Gibson (@MarkGib95609147) April 14, 2018
O'connor was the standout. Ronny Vieira very good too
— Keep fighting 💙 💛 (@sam51h) April 14, 2018
O'connor was the standout. Ronny Vieira very good too
— Keep fighting 💙 💛 (@sam51h) April 14, 2018
@andrearadri who would have said start of season BPF, O'Connor & Pearce Leeds best players – great recruitment.
— mryland (@nzryland) April 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/kildaregaa365/status/984929931464527873
https://twitter.com/TheShowOff85/status/984926418948841472
When times are shit at Leeds. The shining lights are always the kids. Well done BPF, Pearce and the immense O’Connor #lufc
— HmeisterGeneral 🚴🏻♂️ (@HmeisterGeneral) April 13, 2018
Really impressed with Pearce and O'Connor tonight. I hope @andrearadri was watching this pathetic game. Shame on you for bringing Orta to Leeds. Two wins in the last 20 games??? #lufc #youdonthaveaclue
— Steve Cantrell (@SteveCantrell85) April 13, 2018
In other Leeds news, ‘Useless’, ‘Not even National League level’: Leeds fans destroy one player after shocker v Villa
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