Marsch could unearth Leeds' next Dallas in 18 y/o prodigy who's "a dream to coach" - opinion

Leeds United could discover their next Stuart Dallas in the form of academy utility man Charlie Allen.

Capable of playing anywhere in the starting XI, the 30-year-old midfielder has earned the tag of being the Whites’ ‘Mr. Reliable‘ due to the quality of performances he’s able to display despite seemingly fitting in at any role.

His form at full-back, both on the left and right, has also seen him nicknamed ‘the Cookstown Cafu’ after legendary Brazil and AC Milan right-back. Indeed, that’s where he has played the most this campaign, with 73.5% of his 34 appearances coming on either side of the defence.

Good things don’t last forever, though, but Leeds should be able to move on from the Northern Irishman in the future, thanks to their investment into the academy.

Allen, 18, was signed from NIFL Premiership champions Linfield in July 2020, where he became their youngest-ever player at 15 years and five months, but is yet to make his senior bow, though he has been given a squad number (#70) and a professional contract.

Like Dallas, the teenage gem is capable of playing a variety of positions, as explained by his international elite performance director Jim Magilton after Allen was named in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list in 2020.

“Charlie is one of those kids you can play anywhere and he’ll probably still be the best player on the pitch,” said Magilton. “He can play right back, central midfield, on either wing, at No10 or at centre forward.”

He is also described as ‘two-footed, blessed with adhesive close control, impressive vision, passing range and finishing ability’ by the newspaper.

Recently called up to the Northern Ireland U21 squad alongside fellow Thorp Arch prodigy Alfie McCalmont , it’s surely only a matter