Marcelo Bielsa has praised Leeds United youngster Jordan Stevens, insisting that he’s been following the under-23s and believes that the young midfielder has good quality.

Leeds are fighting with Sheffield United for automatic promotion this season in the Championship, but the club’s under-23s have been in fine form and are now the North’s Professional Development League champions.

In addition to that, Carlos Corberan’s side are through to the semi-final of the Premier League Cup, with Stevens playing an important role in the side.

Stevens was included on the bench during Leeds’ 2-0 win over Preston on Tuesday night, with Bielsa moving to discuss him in his press conference ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

“The games for the U23s are always a reference for me,” Bielsa said, as quoted by Phil Hay at the Yorkshire Evening Post.

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“I'm very focused on what they are doing. He has all the necessary skills to play on the sides, in attack. He has good quality." 

Stevens was signed by Leeds in early 2018, with the teenager making the move to Elland Road after an impressive spell with Forest Green Rovers.

To date, the 19-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Leeds, stepping off the bench in January’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City.

It remains to be seen if he retains his place on the bench this weekend when Leeds take on Sheffield Wednesday.

The Verdict  

This is big praise from Bielsa and it will surely fill Stevens with confidence ahead of the final run-in.

He’s got some big games coming up with the under-23s, whilst he’s in and around the first-team and needs to be ready to step up.

Of course, he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s clearly impressing and it feels like he might be amongst the next emerging talents in the first-team at Leeds.

Thoughts? Let us know!