The son of a former Premier League star and a flying winger clocked at 23mph (as fast as the quickest players in the top flight)… meet the Leeds kids marching on together to the Youth Cup final

Leeds United will on Friday night play in their first FA Youth Cup final since winning the competition in 1997 — having eliminated Liverpool in the quarter-finals then edged a seven-goal thriller against a Millwall team who had shocked Chelsea in the previous round.

Here, we introduce the new generation of youngsters at the Yorkshire club, a formidably talented group who take on Manchester City in Friday’s final, trying to emulate 1997 Leeds heroes Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell and Paul Robinson…

GOALKEEPER

Rory Mahady

Fond of reminding team-mates he’s already played at the Euros twice, saving two penalties in one match for Scotland Under 19s against France last summer. A truly modern goalkeeper who arrived from Celtic in July 2022, he doesn’t lack confidence, spraying the ball 50 yards to either flank and often found near the halfway line when Leeds attack.

DEFENDERS

Joe Richards

The longest-serving member of this side, having first arrived at the club’s Thorp Arch training base as a six-year-old, playing in the same age group teams as Archie Gray. Energetic full back, likely to make telling interventions in both boxes.

Dan Toulson (capt)

Mr Versatile. Played at centre half in the earlier rounds against Norwich and Brighton, before switching to left back, and has appeared in central midfield for Leeds’ Under 21s. Recognised as a natural leader by coaches and team-mates for the way he conducts himself and promotes Leeds’ high-energy style — and for that reason he wears the armband.

Alfie Cresswell

Younger brother of first-teamer Charlie and seemingly destined to follow him and their father Richard as an England Under 21 international. Previously played in midfield, but switched positions with Rhys Chadwick for a match as an Under 14 and has remained at centre back ever since. Accomplished on the ball, physically imposing and excellent in the air.

Reuben Lopata-White

Began his academy days as a winger aged 10, but took his youth career forwards by moving backwards, ending up in the heart of defence. One of the few genuine Under 18s in a very young group, along with Mahady, Richards and Toulson. Renowned for his athleticism, strength and speed.

MIDFIELD

Charlie Crew

Rated as the best player in the squad by his team-mates. Technically excellent, deep-lying playmaker, and with a wealth of experience at higher levels. He has captained Wales youth teams and was withdrawn from recent Under 21 international duty by Daniel Farke to be on the bench for Leeds’ Championship promotion push. Recruited from Cardiff as a scholar in August 2022.

Captain Dan Toulson has played left back, centre half and in central midfield this season

Harvey Vincent

First played in the Under 18s at 15. A direct winger, from Ripon, who has style and substance. Can play on either flank, but mainly on the right. The flame-haired Vincent looks to attack space and create chances for others rather than needlessly beat a defender three or four times.

Josh McDonald

Leeds beat Celtic and Rangers to the winger’s signature when he left Hamilton in May last year, paying £150,000. He’s been clocked at 23mph — putting him up with the fastest players in the Premier League. Continues Leeds’ strong Scottish links, stretching back to the days of Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner.

Rhys Chadwick

A recent burst of goals has added to his game. Renowned for getting out of tight spaces, he is also the set-piece taker. Struck twice in the last-eight win over Liverpool then won and converted the penalty that set Leeds on their way against Millwall, later slinging over two corners which were turned into their own net by visiting defenders.

FORWARDS

Sam Chambers

Another Scotland youth player, despite being a local lad. An all-action runner who is difficult to knock off the ball, he relies on power rather than fancy flicks as a No10 and possesses a fearsome shot. Signed his first professional deal last month and has established himself in the Premier League North team.

Freddie Lane

Played out wide until injury to Marley Wilson resulted in a switch to striker. Still an Under 16, the Barnsley lad moved from City three years ago. Possesses pace and has adapted to the physical challenge of playing two years up. Scored a far-post header in the 3-1 defeat of Liverpool.

Manager

Rob Etherington

He was the academy’s strength and conditioning head until September 2020, but combined the day job with completing his coaching badges. 

Etherington (above) was recently promoted from assistant when Scott Gardner was appointed Leeds Under 21 coach as a knock-on of Michael Skubala taking the manager’s job at Lincoln.