Leeds United's talented crop of youngsters could emulate the achievements of Manchester United's Class of '92.
That is the bold verdict of former Rangers, Scotland and Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish who believes Leeds' focus on youth during Marcelo Bielsa's reign will be copied by 'every single club'.
Leeds have aggressively targeted recruitment for their under-23 squad during Bielsa's reign and have signed Lewis Bate, Sean McGurk and Amari Miller have joined from Chelsea, Wigan and Birmingham respectively this summer to bolster their second string squad.
With the likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Robbie Gotts, Crysencio Summerville and Jamie Shackleton on the fringes of the first team and Leif Davis on loan at Bournemouth, the Whites have a seriously talented crop of youngsters coming through the ranks.
So talented, in fact, that McLeish has compared them to Manchester United's famous 'Class of 92' where Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville all graduated from the same youth team to go on to win the treble in 1999.
“Well we saw the Class of 92. Can we see the Class of 2022 at Leeds United?" McLeish told Football Insider.
“At academies, it’s really difficult for young players to usurp the players who are already established.
“Also, to go ahead of transfer targets who can instantly improve your team with their experience.
“But if Leeds do bring these kids through, I’m certain every single club will copy them.”
