Earlier this week an old tweet was shared from the Leeds United Twitter account from a time when Pascal Struijk was signed by the Whites.
Outrage poured out on social media as the Yorkshire side decided to spend their money on yet another U23s player, rather than on faces ready to help them achieve promotion.
As it happens, Leeds have signed plenty of young individuals in the last few years, something that has coincided by not only reaching the promised lands of the Premier League but the rapid development of Struijk.
The Dutchman is now one of the key cogs in Marcelo Bielsa’s wheel, boasting great versatility as a defender and midfielder.
He has been joined in the first-team by the likes of Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville this term, but arguably, no young player at Elland Road has more talent than Joe Gelhardt.
Affectionately known as Joffy, the teenager is a hot topic of debate at the moment, but after breaking into the senior set up in recent weeks, has sadly been dealt an injury.
That said, his progression this term has been wonderful, winning the Man of the Match award after featuring as a late substitute against Wolves and winning a decisive penalty.
Gelhardt hasn’t been seen since but there is a great sense that he’ll have a huge role to play under Bielsa in the coming years.
One player he’d surely relish linking up with at LS11 is Stuart McKinstry. Like Joffy, he was brought into the club externally and has been rapidly rising through the ranks.
He made his senior debut in the EFL Cup this term, even scoring a penalty in the second-round shoot victory over Fulham.
That appeared to be a landmark moment for the 19-year-old who the manager hailed for his “personality and character.”
Bielsa doesn’t hand opportunities out lightly and the very fact he’s not been seen since is a reflection of that.
Yet, like Gelhardt, he could save the club millions in potential transfer fees. McKinstry is capable of not only playing out on the flanks but also through the middle as an attacking midfielder.
It’s safe to say that Leeds are particularly light on options in the middle of the park with Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips their only natural central players.
However, with Klich now aged 31, a replacement will be needed before too long.
McKinstry could be their man, especially when you consider the traits at his disposal. Speaking of his qualities, Phil Hay once commented: “He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up front as well.”
A stunning review from Motherwell academy director Steven Hammel perhaps paints an even vivid picture of the young Scot.
He said: “I’m sure Stuart will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years – but I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young man!”
With that in mind, the teenager and Gelhardt very much feel like two players who could be unleashed together in the not too distant future. Providing the former delivers the goods, he could dissuade the club’s hierarchy from spending money in the window too.
AND in other news, Graham Smyth drops major 49ers claim that’ll leave Leeds fans buzzing with excitement…