It's safe to say that it's not been the start to life at Leeds United that Ian Poveda would have originally hoped for this season. 

The winger signed for the Yorkshire-based club in the January transfer window from Premier League giants Manchester City on a permanent deal until the summer of 2024.

But Poveda is yet to make an appearance for Leeds' first team, and will be hoping that he can play his part in their promotion bid at the earliest of opportunities this term.

In an interview with Football Insider, former Leeds defender Danny Mills issued his thoughts on Poveda's absence from Marcelo Bielsa's team.

"Maybe he is a bit overawed.

"He has gone from the under-23s at Manchester City where it is all comfortable and all very easy and he is one of the stars and suddenly he is not one of the stars."

Mills went on to admit that there is pressure on Poveda's shoulders, and feels as though he's still adjusting to his new surroundings with the Whites.

"He has had to start again – a young kid, the new boy. A lot of pressure – Leeds is a big club. He is with men. Maybe he is taking time to adjust to that.

"This is probably the first time he has moved away from Manchester for a long-time. There are all those issues to deal with as well. A young lad, moving away from all of those creature comforts."

Leeds kept up the pressure on league-leaders West Brom with a win over Bristol City in their last game, and they'll be hoping to make it back-to-back wins this weekend when they take on Reading at Elland Road.

Do you know the nationality of these Leeds United players? Test your knowledge in our quiz!

The Verdict: 

I think this could be a reasonable explanation to why he hasn't been involved for Marcelo Bielsa's side yet.

There were high-hopes for Poveda when he arrived at Elland Road in the January transfer window, but he's not been given a chance as of yet with the Whites.

There is still plenty of time for him to make an impact though, but he'll be hoping he can be given a chance to showcase his talent sooner, rather than later.

I don't think he'll be a regular starter for Leeds anyway, as I think the likes of Pablo Hernandez, Helder Costa and Jack Harrison are all better options than Poveda at this moment in time.