Loads of Leeds United supporters have been praising the efforts of Alfie McCalmont, after the Under 23s star was handed his competitive Whites debut in the Carabao Cup against Salford City.
Marcelo Bielsa named a vastly altered line-up from the one that was held to a scored draw by Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with only Kiko Casilla, Ben White, Kalvin Phillips, and Mateusz Klich kept from the Championship side.
McCalmont had to wait until the second half before he could make his introduction to the senior side, and was handed a late cameo against Salford by replacing Jack Clarke in the 70th minute.
Bielsa rotated the line-up with the introduction of the Whites’ rising star, with the Northern Ireland U21 international deployed in a deep-lying role alongside Phillips.
From there, the 19-year-old – who played a key role in Carlos Corberan’s Professional Development League North Division winning side last season – kept things simple, but caught the eye of loads of supporters with his distribution and ability to not be shrugged off possession by more physical and experienced opposition.
Here’s how these fans assessed McCalmont’s debut…
You didn’t look out of place. A natural fit in that formation. Well done, more please.
— Hesslebine (@hesslebine) August 13, 2019
Well done Alfie ‘the ticker’ McCalmont. Kept that ball ticking away nicely and kept possession. Didn’t put a foot wrong. Congrats on your senior debut. #LUFC
— Tom Holynski (@ThommHol) August 13, 2019
Big future this lad. Saw him at York and again tonight. So composed and great distribution
— Tim Wilson (@ilmmad512) August 13, 2019
Looked assured, strong and kept the ball well, great cameo debut
— Andy Firth (@AndrewFirth21) August 14, 2019
You were ace when you came on mate! Love our U23 lads ????????
— Stefan (@Stefan_Leeds) August 13, 2019
Well played tonight young un against a physical team. Took your opportunity well and looked comfortable , more game time to come for you
— Dean Ryan (@TippRyan1) August 13, 2019
You were fantastic Alfie! A very promising young talent well done ????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— Sophie Welsh (@SophieWelsh16) August 14, 2019
Well done looked very good keep going mate ????????✅
— Deano LUFC (@Deanoc72) August 13, 2019
This lad ???????? absolute next level. Massive future
— brian potter ???????? (@brianpotterhere) August 13, 2019
Composed with calmness and assurance with a physical presence! Im certain that you will have a big future ahead of you along with the other crop of youngsters Bielsa has placed faith in which bodes well or our club going forward! Great debut young man! MOT
— Franco Gasparotti (@francogasparot1) August 14, 2019
Well done young man.
Your at a club with a great pedigree and you could be a hero if things go your way.
All the best for your future.
LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS— William patterson (@William79304674) August 14, 2019
Very impressed Alfie. Fantastic distribution completion rate. Played with calmness, authority, intelligence and simplicity. Very well done. Bravo ???? ????
— Stefan Kamasz (@kamasz_stefan) August 14, 2019