“Carry a team” – Summerville led by Leeds United, Walker-Peters and Firpo link

Goals and assists are the currency by which many people will measure Crysencio Summerville’s season when they look back at Leeds United’s season. And yet, the man himself sees it as more than that.

Only two players have been involved in more league goals than Summerville this season. One of them, Adam Armstrong, awaits him at Wembley on Sunday. Statistics would suggest that there is a high probability that one of them will have played a key role if their team lifts the trophy under the arch.

Unlike many of his relegated colleagues, there was never any significant buzz about the Dutch winger’s departure last summer. Once he decided to stay, he set out to become one of the key players in this promotional tilt.

READ MORE: Leeds United play-off final tickets are available to more people as restrictions eased

That meant more than performance to him, it was leadership, character, work rate and being there for his teammates.

“I told myself that one of my goals is to be a key player for Leeds United this season,” he said. “Some people call it pressure, but I just call it my challenge.

“I like that and I like being important to the team and carrying a team in a good way. Not only with goals and assists, but also with leadership on and off the pitch.”

Kyle Walker-Peters was named in the Championship Team of the Season on the same night Summerville received the same accolades and more. Indeed, the best player in the second round will go head-to-head with his best right-back on Sunday.

The Southampton defender was one of the standout players in the recent clash at Elland Road and will have to be matched both ways by Summerville.

“He’s one of the best right-backs in the Championship and he was also in the team of the season,” he said. “I like challenging myself against the best, so I’m looking forward to the duel.”

Help in that left-back battle will likely come from Junior Firpo, who had his own problems with Walker-Peters at Elland Road this month. Although the Dominican is not always perfect in defence, he has been a real asset in attack for the Whites, most notably in the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Norwich City on Thursday.

One of the key moments of the night came with the fourth goal when Firpo could justifiably have shot on goal with the game already won, but selflessly threw the ball into the path of Summerville for a tap-in. The two remained beaming and pointing at each other.

“Throughout the season, our connection has grown a lot,” Summerville said. “I love playing with Junior on the left and we feel like we’re on water. I can only say that it was good.

“Normally, some people might throw a shot, but he looked and saw me and thought, ‘Okay, Cree’s in a better position’, so he played the ball to me.”

Summerville’s closest friends on the team have been impossible to ignore since their first day together. Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter are never far from their Dutch wizard.

“It’s always good to have a good team and also good camaraderie in your team,” he said. “As soon as they walked in, I saw them as my brothers.

“Our friendship has grown a lot this season, so I’m very happy to play with them. You can tell on the field.”