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Joe Donnohue

'Something from nothing' - Leeds United's Crysencio Summerville responds after hope thwarted

Leeds United's U23s have been used to falling away during the second half of games this season, often after starting their Premier League 2 fixtures strongly.

The young Whites began the day yesterday in the bottom two of PL2 Division 1, in need of three points to pull clear of imminent danger.

Fortunately, recent Premier League debutants Crysencio Summerville and Charlie Cresswell were handed rare 90 minute run-outs as the side saw out a 3-0 victory in front of 8,656 spectators at Elland Road.

20-year-old Dutch winger Summerville has made a handful of first-team appearances this season, but with the team eliminated from both domestic cups and the youngster fourth in the pecking order for wide attacking positions, frequent senior minutes appear unlikely.

Summerville spoke to Marcelo Bielsa about potentially going out on loan last month, which Bielsa disclosed in his pre-match press conference yesterday.

Bielsa revealed he did not stand in the player's way, but that the decision was taken not to permit Summerville a loan move.

"He spoke with me and he told me he wanted to leave [on loan] and I told him there wasn't any problems with him leaving. The reason why I said this to him, that is a player who has a pretty frequent participation with the first-team, not necessarily coming on but a player who was contemplated frequently, and he asked me, or told me that he wants to leave. For me, that motive is sufficient.

"But because I don't stand in the way, that doesn't mean only I decide. I only have part of the decision," the Argentine said.

As a result, the winger will remain with Leeds United for the remainder of the season and will mostly feature with the U23 side.

Last night versus Liverpool was only the second time Summerville has completed 90 minutes in a PL2 fixture this season.

The club operates a 'managed minutes' policy with the U23s which stipulates that those involved on the bench for the first-team are restricted to 45 minutes with the youngsters.

Leeds United's Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville replaces the corner flag during the Whites' 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

At the stage Summerville is at in his development, the desire to play regularly - whatever the level - is immense, hence the request to gain minutes out on loan.

While there will have been a tinge of disappointment as the January transfer deadline passed, the 20-year-old's first outing since his failed attempt at a loan move demonstrated not only his ability, but his attitude over the coming months.

U23s Lead Development Coach Mark Jackson praised the winger after the 3-0 win over Liverpool.

Summerville's shot rebounded into Jack Jenkins' path for the Leeds academy midfielder to prod home during the first half, then in the final ten minutes the Dutchman was felled twice inside the penalty area, before dispatching of one of the spot-kicks himself.

"It’s that individuality with the ball," Jackson said. "He’s got pace, he’s got trickery, he’s got great balance with the ball and he can create something from nothing.

"That’s what he brings to the team, but like I said I think he also brought a desire to work out of possession as well and work for the team as well which is really important for how we play.

"He played his part in an excellent victory tonight."

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