Rhys Chadwick records 5 goals and 4 assists for Leeds United

Rhys Chadwick has put himself in line for a senior Leeds United debut after a season of steady production for the Under-21s. The 19-year-old has five goals and four assists in 18 league appearances, and he could be in the frame once Leeds are safe.

Chadwick’s Leeds output

Chadwick has shone for Leeds United’s Under-21s this season and added one assist in the National League Cup. He also created 29 chances in league play, a total that puts him above most players in his position; only 5.3 per cent have created more.

His duel work has stood out as well. Only 1.8 per cent of forwards have won more duels than him this season, which gives Leeds a forward who can compete physically as well as produce in the final third.

Farke’s selection window

Daniel Farke has had very little breathing space to hand minutes to youth players because of the constant threat of relegation at Elland Road. That caution has narrowed the route for academy players, even as Chadwick’s numbers have pushed him into the conversation.

The timing now looks better for Leeds to make that call. If West Ham fail to get a result against Arsenal on Saturday, Leeds’ safety will be officially confirmed, and there are three games left to play in the season.

Chadwick and the front three

Chadwick’s versatility strengthens his case. He can play anywhere across the front three and can also move deeper if the situation requires it, a useful fit for a squad that may finally have room to reward an Under-21 form player.

Last season, he registered 24 goal involvements, so this year’s output has carried over rather than arrived in a short burst. If Leeds do get the breathing room they have lacked for much of the campaign, Chadwick is one of the few youth names with the numbers to make a senior debut plausible before the season ends.