Whelan tells Leeds fans to ‘remember the name’ as excitement grows over ‘smashing’ Dean
Noel Whelan has insisted Leeds United teenager Max Dean is “one for the future” after stepping up for the under-23s this season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 17-year-old has “risen to the occasion” playing at a higher age bracket.
Dean scored his fifth goal for the under-23s this season in Monday’s Premier League Cup win over Mansfield Town.
He was unable to add to his tally in Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea as he played the full 90 minutes.
A versatile attacker, Dean can play either as a centre-forward or on either wing.
Whelan insisted that despite his age, the teenager has become one to watch in the Whites’ academy.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I was only talking about him the other day and what a smashing player he is.
“He’s coming on leaps and bounds again. Another name to remember that’s coming out of the academy crop. He’s really rising to the occasion in the under-23s.
“It’s another step up because of his age but he’s dealing with these situations and becoming one of those standout players.
“Finding the net is difficult but he’s managing to find it pretty easy at the minute. Long may it continue for him.
“It’s more proof of how our under-23 development squad is working and how we nurture and progress players through this pathway. Hopefully, he’s going towards being another one for the future.”
Dean only signed his first professional deal at Elland Road back in March.
The academy product is tied down to the Whites until 2023.
In other news, pundit has savaged “Bielsa-ball” ahead of Leeds United visit to Tottenham.