England U21s coach Aidy Boothroyd has revealed that Eddie Nketiah is enjoying his time at Leeds United, despite having limited first-team opportunities.

Nketiah is yet to start a Championship game this season but is still the Whites' joint-top scorer, having found the net four times.

Patrick Bamford, who also has four goals to his name in the 2019/20 campaign, has been Marcelo Bielsa's first-choice forward so far–starting all 11 league games for Leeds.

Nketiah joined on loan from Arsenal in the summer in pursuit of first-team football but has been limited to Carabao Cup and substitute appearances for the Whites senior side so far.

The 20-year-old has also found the net for Leeds U23s side and the England U21s, who he scored a hat-trick for on Tuesday evening.

Nketiah revealed his disappointment at not having had more first-team opportunities after the game.

There has been concern amongst Leeds fans following the forward's comments that his parent club Arsenal may look to recall him in January but Boothroyd's post-match comments may provide them with some hope he will be staying.

As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post about the situation, the England U21 coach said: "He gets his minutes with us and I'm sure he'll do well at his club team.

"He is in a brilliant place, learning off a great coach and I know because he has said he is enjoying being there at such a big club and when he comes to us he is ready and fresh hopefully we can send him back as a better player."

Nketiah's next chance to impress for his club side will likely come against Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Verdict

Arsenal and Nketiah will both likely be disappointed by the first-team opportunities that the young striker has had at Leeds thus far.

However, the impact of learning under a world-renowned coach such as Bielsa is not something that should be taken for granted either.

It is understandable that Leeds fans would be concerned about Nketiah leaving in January but Boothroyd's comments should go some way to ease some of their worries.

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