Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has hailed the influx of young talent into the first team under Marcelo Bielsa, highlighting them as "a different class" altogether following their key contributions to the club's promotion campaign.
The Whites face Derby County in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Wednesday at Elland Road, where they will look to replicate their 1-0 victory from Saturday.
Kemar Roofe's second half strike proved to be the difference for the visitors at Pride Park, with the forward latching onto a superb ball from Jack Harrison to fire home.
Bielsa's maiden season in West Yorkshire has been characterised by a vastly improved Leeds side mixing it at the top end of the table as they chase promotion to the Premier League.'
However, the Argentine has also blooded several academy products throughout the campaign, with many making a positive impact with their contributions.
Speaking to the media on Monday, skipper Cooper highlighted the talent and dedication of those who have made the step-up to senior action this year, offering effusive praise for their abilities and determination.
"It speaks volumes of the belief the manager has in the young lads," the 27-year-old stated. "I think I’ve seen our bench was an average age of 19 years old or something like that.
"These boys are a different class, they came in from day one, from Marcelo coming, and they really stood up and was there to be counted.
"A lot of young boys come up and they don’t get it but these boys definitely do. Marcelo demands a lot from them but they always give and they’re a great asset to have.
"Obviously Marcelo can throw them in whenever he wants and he knows they’ll come up trumps."
Cooper was equally complimentary in his assessment of Jamie Shackleton after the teenager came on as a first-half replacement for the injured Adam Forshaw against Derby, singling out his work ethic as key.
"He’s an amazing young man, down to earth, just wants to come in every day with a smile on his face and work hard," he added.
"He deserves to be in the team, he deserves to play well because we see how hard he trains everyday.
"I thought he was a different class on Saturday. Hopefully for him, he stays in the team, but if he doesn’t, he’ll still be the same boy."
