Leeds United have had a wealth of young prospects come through the ranks over the last few years, with the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Crysencio Summerville being the latest to earn first-team opportunities.
However, someone who stepped up last season when they needed him most, but has since struggled for game time this season, is Sam Greenwood.
The 20-year-old started his career as a striker and recorded impressive numbers for the U21s. Having scored 21 goals in 40 appearances, he earned his debut against his former club as he made a 14-minute cameo against Arsenal in 2021.
Should Marsch start Greenwood over Rodrigo?
Yes
No
Since then, he has featured 11 times in the Premier League for the Whites, having reverted to a central midfield role.
At the back end of last season, Jesse Marsch handed him a huge vote of confidence by featuring him in six of their final nine league games, where they narrowly avoided relegation.
During this time, the American claimed that the youngster had adapted best to his methods.
Although he has featured a further four times in the league this season, perhaps now might be the perfect time to give him a solid run in the side amidst Rodrigo’s increasingly poor form.
Whilst the Spaniard scored in their most recent loss to Fulham, this marks his first goal in seven games. His strong start to the season belies another poor season thus far.
The consistent praise handed to Greenwood from Marsch should be indicative that he is on the precipice of a starting birth, as he stated in April: “He has the ability to make some final plays, he’s very technical, so we’ve got to find ways to include him more…”
His versatility and eye for a goal from midfield make him a unique prospect for the Whites and could be the man they need to turn around their abysmal form.
Having won just one in their last nine league games, they have to try something different to try and turn the tide.
Otherwise, it could be another long season for Marsch and his Leeds team, who are already showing signs that this could be the case.
