The Leeds United youngster Joe Rodon has really taken to pre-season so far

At just 15, Harry Gray is among them and has already caught the eye of new signing Joe Rothwell, who has come off the bench in both friendlies so far.

Sam Chambers, Luca Thomas, Harry Christy and James Debayo were also in and around Farke’s side, the former even getting on the scoresheet at Harrogate Town.

Charlie Crew is also there but has already been considered a first team player having been on the bench a couple of times towards the end of the season.

Rodon impressed with James Debayo at Leeds

After losing Archie Gray earlier this month, all eyes are now on who could be the next Thorp Arch graduate to step up properly.

Crew are certainly leading the race and have already received the green light from Gray, but there are others knocking on the door at the moment, one of which is Debayo.

Debayo was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up at Harrogate, but he didn’t look out of place and has since impressed in Germany, according to Graham Smyth.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, Smyth says it’s pretty clear how good Joe Rodon has been with Debayo because of the way he talks to him on the training ground.

He said: “The first word he used was composed. He flashed a little on Sunday during some of the small-side and possession plays as he picked passes through the lines and when the ball came to him, there was no panic.

“Debayo seems to have that little presence of mind to pick out passes through the lines. I like his look and thought he did pretty well in the game. You can always tell if the senior players have a young player because they are cheering them on and you can tell by the tone of their voice if they should be there.

“The way Rodon was talking to Debayo and the way Farke was too, I think everyone is happy with the way he’s developed. Maybe the fourth center back spot will open up for him.”

Debayo claims fourth centre-back role at Leeds

With Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Max Wober, Leeds are blessed with the best set of central defensive options in the league.

Of course, an injury or two would leave Leeds a little light, but convincing someone of significant quality to come in as fourth choice will be difficult.

As such, Leeds may need to promote from within and after losing Charlie Cresswell, Debayo looks like he could step into that role.

Let’s hope he gets at least a few minutes in the cup games over the course of the campaign and takes the opportunity from there.

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