Chapter 113 The future of young people!
Nelson Oliveira finally came to Leeds United, and Benfica, who trained him, received £11 million, while Simon Grayson won a strong center, which can be said to be the ones who need it.
When the winter transfer window was closed, all three players introduced by Leeds United in winter were in place. Nelson Oliveira, Hamette Altentop, and Messe Fursarico covered the frontcourt, midfielder and backcourt. The three of them spent a total of £23 million, but the money was not unfair at all. Even Simon Grayson, who spent money with big money, was praised.
On January 29, the "Youth Guards" voluntarily gave up the League Cup game. Although they lost to their arch rival Chelsea, fans still quite understand Simon Grayson's decision. If there are so many games in a season, if you can't tell the main or secondary, you will be ineffective in the end.
In the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 2, Leeds United easily defeated Xie Zhousan with a score of 2:0 at home. The goals were Tevez and the substitute him in the second half...Nelson Oliveira.
After reporting, the Portuguese center helped his teammates to win the favor of new teammates through his staple center. Then, under the "seduction" of Pivkovsky, a playful boy, he became the eighth member of the "Swordsman Group". Then his newcomer life was much better, and it was easy to win the opportunity to play in a FA Cup training game, and the person who assisted him was his new "captain" Shaq.
After this FA Cup game, Leeds United fans were ecstatic, and local Leeds media also gave Simon Grayson a high evaluation of the recruitment work. The club's new chairman, Bielhof, said in an interview: "Our board of directors has a lot of trust in Simon's work ability, and we believe that under his leadership, the team will continue to move forward on the right path."
Amid the praise from the outside world, Simon Grayson began to lead the team to prepare for the 24th round of the Premier League. He can rank second in the standings, and any head coach will want to continue to stay in this position. However, Leeds United's physical condition is not very good at the moment, and Simon Grayson can only use rotations to improve all this.
It just so happened that the new aid Nelson Oliveira seemed in good condition. Simon Grayson found the "Beast" Tevez and had a conversation.
"Carlos, you seem to be a little tired lately?"
Teves is not a rookie. He understood what the head coach meant when he heard the words of the head coach. He has indeed played too many games this season. In the league, cup, intercontinental games and national team games, it has only been a little more than half a season. Teves has played 35 games and scored 45 goals. If he plays until the end of the season, he might be exhausted.
"Boss, I understand!" Tevez laughed confidently, "How much rest do you plan to give me?"
Simon Grayson was stunned for a moment. He was a little surprised. He had already thought about saying something to persuade the "Beast" to take a break. But he didn't expect Tevez to be so understanding. He immediately laughed and said, "Carlos, I'll give you a week's rest time. You can give yourself a holiday. You don't have to participate in the match between Reading and West Ham United. Your task is to have a good rest. When playing Stoke City, you have to prepare to go on the court and adjust your state. Then... the Europa League is about to play the knockout round. We also have to fight with strong opponents like Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea again. I hope you can be prepared at that time."
Teves nodded with a chuckle and said confidently: "No problem, boss, don't worry, I will have a good rest! Well, how about I'm going to go back to Argentina to enjoy a short vacation?"
Simon Grayson laughed and said, "Of course! But... Carlos. I know that the girls in Argentina are very beautiful and sexy. Don't indulge in excessive lust at that time! I'm still pointing at your goal to bring victory to the team!"
"Boss, don't worry, I know what can be done and what can't be done! Manchester City... I won't let them live a good life!"
Teves really has a deep hatred for Manchester City. When he mentions the game against "Blue Moon", he always grits his teeth. Before meeting this enemy again, it seems to be a good choice to take a good rest and recharge. And Teves really doesn't worry that his position will be replaced by those young kids. Think about his crazy goal frenzy this season, which head coach will give up a striker like him!
The current strength of the "Young Guards" is indeed getting stronger day by day. After discovering that the team's physical condition has exposed some problems, Simon Grayson did try every means to change this situation. Signing and rotation are all methods that can be seen on the outside. Secretly, Simon Grayson made some adjustments to the team's tactics.
In the past, Leeds United would have controlled the ball after getting the ball, and then launched an attack immediately. Such a tactical arrangement can indeed put more pressure on the opponent, but it will also consume more physical energy. Now Simon Grayson has made clear requirements, and he asked his players to choose according to the situation on the court after getting the ball.
If the team does not lead two goals, then everything will be the same. If the team's lead is expanded to two goals, the rhythm must be controlled and not waste more physical fitness in games that can already be won.
In order to control the rhythm of the game, Simon Grayson even changed Bentley to a midfielder, and at the same time pushed out Ashley Hood, who was only 16 years old.
Ashley Hood, who is only sixteen years old, is another genius midfielder discovered by Leeds United from football school last year. Although he is not old, his physical fitness is excellent in all aspects. He is regarded as "Shake II" by youth team director Chris Sally. After being promoted to the first team by Simon Grayson during the winter transfer, this little guy also performed quite well in training, but because his skills are not mature enough in all aspects, he has never given him a chance to play.
Now, in order to solve the team's physical difficulties, Simon Grayson doesn't care about that much. Anyway, Leeds United is still very sure of playing teams like Reading.
This season, Reading, who has been promoted to the top with Leeds United and West Ham United, is now in trouble with West Ham United. One of the two teams is ranked third to last and the other is ranked last. The three newly promoted teams have no danger of relegation. Instead, with the efforts of "Three Leeds Musketeers", "Beasts", "Black Big Men" and others, they have gotten rid of the weak posture of the newly promoted team early. Now they can even compete with many traditional Premier League strong teams.
In the away game against Reading, Simon Grayson lined up a shocking lineup. The forward line was 21-year-old Nelson Oliveira, behind him were 21-year-old Jonny Hausen, 20-year-old Zach Thompson, 19-year-old Pifkowski, two back midfielders were 16-year-old Ashley Hood, 28-year-old Bentley, and four defenders were 21-year-old Ben Parker, 20-year-old Red, 22-year-old Clegg Dawson, 21-year-old Male Fursarico, goalkeeper or 20-year-old Andy Ronegan. The reason why this lineup is shocking is mainly because... young!
The eleven first players have the average age of only an astonishing 20.8 years old!
It can be said that Leeds United has really become the veritable "Youth Guards" this time. Even this starting lineup has set a record in the Premier League. No team has ever had such a young lineup!
However, the young Leeds United was not afraid of the away game at all. As soon as they came, Zach Thompson received a return pass from Nelson Oliveira in 15 minutes. He suddenly fired a long-range shot 30 meters away from the goal. The ball "swoosh" and crossed the space and drilled in from the blind corner of the upper right corner of the Reading team goal... 1:0!
After putting on No. 11, the Portuguese powerful center did not look like a traditional center. This kick was just right, allowing Zach Thompson to complete the shot directly.
After leading the game, Leeds United played more easily. As soon as the young players relaxed their mentality, they really dared to play any kind of work.
In the 32nd minute, the Swedish "New God Tower" Pivkovsky controlled the ball on the right, and waited for the Plum Fersariko behind him to rush up and then sent the ball to the Reading team's penalty area on the right.
After stopping the ball, Plum attracted the attention of the defensive players, but he himself passed the ball back to the top of the penalty area. There was the scope of "Shake" activities, and the leader of the "Swordsman Group" should have some special treatment!
However, this time it was not Zach Thompson who appeared in this range, but Bentley who followed up!
"Bang!"
Zach Thompson, who had already scored a goal, pulled to the right, and he also took Reading away the strict defense of the top of the penalty area, which gave Bentley an excellent opportunity!
Bentley swung his right leg and shot with a blast. The ball flew over the entire Reading team's penalty area with a "huh", and flew over the goal line from the left... 2:0!
After being scored two goals, Reading gave up a little, and this relaxation also gave Leeds United more opportunities. When the game was 36 minutes old, Pivkovsky dribbled the ball into the Reading team's penalty area on the right. During the stuttering process, he suddenly pushed the ball horizontally to the left. Zach Thompson followed up with just pushing the arch and easily sent the ball into the goal again... 3:0!
During the halftime break, Simon Grayson and Eric Black were both smiling. They were so satisfied with the team's performance today. Such a young lineup could still score three goals in the Reading team in the first half. Although it was because the opponent was relatively weak, it was enough to prove that the future of their team was bright!
If these guys grow up...who else is our opponent!?
Manchester United used to have a 92 golden generation, and now we, Leeds, have our own "92 golden generation", but these players were born around 1992, and they... are still young!
Among the eleven starting players, there are indeed many players who came out of the Leeds youth training camp. Captain Jonny Hausen, Zach Thompson, Ben Parker, Pifkowski, Ashley Hood, and Ronegan. All six players were promoted from the youth training camp by Simon Grayson!
These people... are the direct descendants and the cornerstone of the team's revival!
In a trance, Simon Grayson seemed to see the team's tomorrow...
Chapter completed!