Marsch could unearth next Hernandez in "creative" 19 y/o who can save Leeds millions - opinion

Leeds United have failed to sign a new midfielder for fast-approaching on four-and-a-half years, though that is likely to change in the summer amid interest in Brenden Aaronson.

The last time someone was signed in the role was Adam Forshaw, joining from then-Championship rivals Middlesbrough in January 2018 – since then, the 30-year-old has dealt with a string of injuries, Samu Saiz left the club and Pablo Hernandez has also moved on.

You could argue that the Whites have overachieved in recent times, not only gaining promotion to the Premier League but also maintaining that lucrative position for nearly a third season.

But perhaps an answer could lie from within, in the form of academy dynamo Stuart McKinstry, who is just as capable of playing in central midfield as he is out wide.

The 19-year-old Scotsman bagged for the U23 squad on Monday night in their 4-0 rout of Crystal Palace, making it two goals and four assists from his 12 starts in the Premier League 2 Division 1 this season.

Only Sam Greenwood has been more creative, as per FBRef.

McKinstry, who has been likened to Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets by his academy peers, has been dubbed the ‘next big thing’ to come out of Thorp Arch by ever-reliable journalist Phil Hay of The Athletic.

Those comparisons highlight just how talented he is in multiple ways, to have the flair and dynamism of Messi and the powerful on-ball presence of Busquests. Leeds could have a real star in the making and potentially one fit to replace the legendary Hernandez at Elland Road.

“He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up