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“Superb skill”, “Nice Bielsa ball” – These Leeds fans hope U23s ace is “close” to first-team bow

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Image for “Superb skill”, “Nice Bielsa ball” – These Leeds fans hope U23s ace is “close” to first-team bow

A few Leeds United supporters have been voicing their hope on social media in seeing Ian Poveda make his first-team bow after excelling in the Under 23s, as Carlos Corberan’s side drew away to Barnsley on Monday.

Poveda moved to Elland Road in the January window on a free transfer from Manchester City, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal, but has not featured in Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship plans since we lost at Wigan Athletic on February 1.

The boss had listed Poveda among his substitutes at home to the Latics last month and in the prior win over Millwall, though did not award the England U20 international any minutes before omitting him from the subsequent seven squads.

Bielsa noted midway through February that Poveda was effectively fit to play and did not need any time to adjust to the Argentine’s tactics, but has continued to look elsewhere in his squad list even when Tyler Roberts and Jean-Kevin Augustin have missed out.

Should Poveda feature in Bielsa's 18-man squad vs Cardiff on Sunday?

Yes, Poveda should start

Yes, but only on the bench

Yes, but only on the bench

No, he isn't ready yet

No, he isn't ready yet

Poveda’s lack of first-team action led to him making an outing with the U23s on Monday as we faced Barnsley at the Tyke’s Oakwell Training Ground, where the 20-year-old enjoyed himself on the right-wing and produced the moment of the match.

The former FC Barcelona youth talent took over possession near to the centre-circle in the 66th-minute before pulling off a quick and clever turn, a burst of speed and smart thinking to roll the ball on to a teammate. Poveda then continued to surge forward, received the ball on the edge of the box and lifted his head to see Bobby Kamwa ready to tap the ball home.

Poveda’s assist for Kamwa’s go-ahead goal led some supporters to suggest Bielsa should bring the forward back into the first-team, and perhaps award him his senior Whites debut.

Here are some of the messages shared…

In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has handed a gifted Whites youngster a major hurdle in their quest for a key first-team role at Elland Road.

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