Marsch can save Leeds millions with "massive" 18 y/o who could "be the next Van Dijk" - opinion

Leeds United currently find themselves in the midst of a relegation fight, with the Whites having lost their last six Premier League fixtures on the bounce, leaving them just two points above the drop zone. However, as a result of Victor Orta’s hard work with recruitment for the club’s under-23 side, the long-term future at Elland Road appears bright.

Indeed, with the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Cody Drameh, Stuart McKinstry, Lewis Bate, Liam McCarron and Leo Hjelde all having featured in at least one of Leeds United’s matchday squads this season, there is an impressive amount of young talent pushing for a regular spot in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

While all of the aforementioned players seem to have an exciting future in the game, one of the most promising appears to be 18-year-old Hjelde, who Orta pinched from Celtic last summer.

Having already made three senior appearances for the Whites this season, Hjelde will already be familiar to the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, the £270k-rated left-back – who is also comfortable operating from the heart of defence – turned in an admirable display on his debut for Leeds in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat to West Ham United. That day, he made four clearances and two interceptions, blocked two shots and completed 53 passes over his 78 minutes on the pitch against the Hammers.

The 18-year-old followed this up with another solid display against the same opposition just a week later, this time in a 3-2 Premier League victory at the London Stadium. On that occasion, he made five clearances, one interception, one tackle and one key pass, also blocking one shot after coming on at left-back for the injured Junior Firpo.

Another early injury saw the Norwegian