Leeds United starlet Ian Poveda is currently back at Thorp Arch as he continues his comeback from injury.
What’s the story?
During a Q&A for Leeds Live, Beren Cross revealed: “He’s back at Thorp Arch at the moment going through his rehab programme because it’s more convenient with where he lives rather than traipsing over to Blackburn every other day. He seems to be making good progress based on his Instagram profile. The expectation this season, if he gets back in time, would be for him to play for Blackburn again.
“When he was first sent out on loan the noises we heard suggested this was very temporary and there was a long-term home for Poveda at Leeds. Much depends on how his pre-season goes under Marsch, you would think. As we know, wingers are not readily used by the American in his system.”
Could be exciting under Marsch
While Poveda’s loan spell at Championship side Blackburn came to a shuddering halt back in November following injury, there’s no questioning that he has the kind of exciting talent and ability that could thrive under Marsch.
In fact, after seeing what Poveda produced after coming on as a substitute for Helder Costa against Liverpool last season, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan made it clear that the young winger was a refreshing change to the Portuguese man.
He told Football Insider: “There is something there that is not right because Poveda came on and did more in that short time than Costa did in the 60 minutes he was on the field.
“He is fourth in the pecking order in terms of wingers for me. Poveda has to come before him now. He is direct, exciting and wants to take people on. He wants to do his job as a winger and Costa does not. He plays it safe and he’s negative. At least Poveda runs at people. He is positive and that is what a winger should do.”
Paul Robinson added to the £10k-a-week forward’s admirers, saying last year: “I think we’re going to see Poveda come through next season. Leeds have signed him for a reason, Bielsa knows he’s a top, top player.”
While there has been a change in manager, Poveda coming back from injury and returning to Leeds this summer could give the Whites an intriguing option heading into next season.
Given he’s only played 20 times for the first-team at Elland Road, Whites fans should be excited at the fact he’s still considered a long-term prospect from those behind-the-scenes.
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