Some Leeds United fans have been lauding Alfie McCalmont on social media after the young midfielder scored for the Under 23s against Hull City on Sunday.
Carlos Corberan’s young Whites side welcomed the Tigers to Thorp Arch for the Professional Development League North Division clash, and would seal a 5-0 rout to move up to second in the standings.
Burnley now top the division by a point and will travel to third-placed Nottingham Forest on Tuesday looking to secure their fifth win in succession.
Does McCalmont deserve to feature in the first-team?
Yes
No
McCalmont captained Corberan’s side while playing in the holding midfield role of a 4-1-4-1 as we beat Hull on Sunday, sitting in behind Jack Jenkins and Jamie Shackleton.
United took the lead early on when Jenkins found the net in the 13th-minute, beating the Tigers’ ‘keeper after a quick break down the wing. Ryan Edmondson would later double the lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage-time.
Goals from Liam McCarron and another from Edmondson would extend our advantage in the second half, before McCalmont would conclude the scoring by striking a well-hit rocket to round off a nice team move.
McCalmont has been with the youth team for much of the campaign, having played his sole senior minutes in our Carabao Cup encounters with Salford and Stoke back in August.
The 19-year-old was also named on the bench for Championship fixtures on three occasions by head coach Marcelo Bielsa, though the Argentine has not called on the youngster since we lost at home to Swansea on August 31.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to McCalmont in action for the U23s…
Now this boy looks like he may be able to step up
— Andy.ridge (@Andyridge2) January 5, 2020
Quality goal McCalmant can play DM and as an 8 can’t be far away from match day Squad
— Kenny Brown (@kennybrown1964) January 5, 2020
The one player I’m surprised isn’t being involved with the first team more. Especially when he can play in the Phillips or Klich role, he’s top class.
— Shaun (@LUFC1992_) January 5, 2020
@SamNewsome99 what a goal
— Charles Foster (@Cynical_Leeds) January 5, 2020
@GFV1993 baller
— Jordan (@JordanCalpin94) January 5, 2020
What a player he is
— Dan Paton (@DanPaton5) January 5, 2020
This lad’s gonna be doing big stuff for both you and us in NI very soon @Conor_ALTV 🙌
— Stephen Collins (@tourdegawa) January 5, 2020
Alfie deserves some minutes this season.
— Mango Jenkins (@FunsoBanlow) January 5, 2020
In other Leeds United news, an agent has confirmed that we have lodged a bid to land a striker, but the deal has been ruled out.