Carlos Corberan’s U23 side put in a devastating performance on Monday evening as they thrashed Bolton 5-1.
First-team players Eddie Nketiah and Gjanni Alioski both got on the scoresheet as promising youngsters Jack Clarke and Robbie Gotts also found the back of the net.
It was an incredibly entertaining and fluid attacking display but it didn’t come without a worrying moment. At 3-0 up, the Whites conceded which must have brought back fears of bottling another lead after drawing 3-3 with Cardiff last weekend.
Fortunately for the U23 side, they held on for a mightily impressive win. One of the best performers was Clarke who “caused havoc” according to Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross, earning a match rating of 9.
He was superb throughout and his courageous performance had fans discussing his status within the squad, pondering why he hadn’t been given more chances in the senior side this season.
Their calls are understandable given he has made just one substitute appearance in the league. This comes after playing on 22 occasions in the Championship last term.
Other reaction to his display centred around just how brilliant he was. There was no sub-plot to their tweets of how poor his loan spell had been. Instead, they simply decided to rave over the individual qualities he displayed.
One supporter claimed he had a field day and it was easy to see why. He was a constant nuisance throughout the second half, initially finding the back of the net in the first 45 minutes.
Further individuals decided to look at his impact as a whole since re-signing on loan last summer. Clarke signed for Tottenham in a £10m deal but has only started twice in the Carabao Cup this term.
His attitude has also been questionable at times. A number of months ago he refused to shake a substitutes hand after being taken off late on against Bristol City.
Virtually impossible: Can you name the year all of these Leeds flops arrived at Elland Road?
In recent times, the 19-year-old looks to have rediscovered himself, just in time for the January transfer window. A lack of game time means he could be recalled with Fulham, Derby and Middlesbrough lurking.
One fan labelled the situation as unfortunate while another said it was sad to see him just rot away on the bench.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay has provided an update on the fitness of Adam Forshaw…