Crysencio Summerville may only be 22, but he is certainly an inspiration to some of the younger players at Leeds United.
Summerville is the perfect example of patience being a virtue when it comes to breaking into professional football, receiving his just rewards this season.
Having been eased into the fold over the last four years since arriving from Feyenoord, Summerville has burst into life over the last 10 months having shown glimpses of what he could do under Jesse Marsch.
With 19 goals and nine assists, Summerville was crowned as the Championship POTS last month, carrying the weight of responsibility of Leeds‘ promotion hopes on his back.
Daniel Farke has often mentioned just how young Leeds’ squad is over the course of his tenure and while Summerville falls under that category, he is an example of how a player can lead in silence on the pitch.
Summerville tips Archie Gray for a huge career
Leeds have a number of young players primed to make their breakthrough in the coming years, with Charlie Crew tipped to be the next off the production line.
Though still only 15, Harry Gray is also extremely well thought of, with brother Archie even claiming that he is a better player than him.
But based on the breakthrough season Gray has enjoyed, it will take some effort for Harry to eclipse him, with the 18-year-old already on the radar of England boss Gareth Southgate.
What’s more, Gray is attracting interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs including Bayern Munich and though his dream is to win things at Elland Road, there will come a time where he is ready to take the next step.
Summerville himself is also winning huge admirers from the likes of Liverpool, but in an interview with TeamTalk, the Dutchman has claimed there is no limit to where Gray’s potential could take him.
He said: “I will speak to the younger lads because I’ve been in the same position as them. Yes, I speak with them a lot and tell them to make the best out of their careers.
“I have to say that Archie is a great and a big talent. He’s doing very well and I’m happy for him and where he could go in his career.”
Leeds could need promotion to keep Summerville and Gray
Leeds’ season is finally set to come to a head on Sunday when they face Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
This game is dubbed the richest in football and ultimately, it is going to play a big part in how Leeds’ short and long-term future looks.
If they stay down, 49ers Enterprises have already acknowledged key players would have to be sold, with some reports indicating Leeds will need to raise £100 million.
Gray and Summerville are Leeds’ two highest value assets and so winning on Sunday could be paramount to keeping them both at the club.