Fabian Delph, Leeds United
Steve Claridge looks at a combative midfielder who may play a pivotal role in the resurgence of a once-great club
Sometimes you go on a scouting trip and the player takes time to convince you he can play. Not so Fabian Delph. Built like an Ethiopian marathon runner, this 18-year-old midfielder can play a huge part in the resurrection of this once-great club.
At Swindon Town on Saturday Delph started wide on the left in a central three and combined very well with the left-winger and overlapping full-back. He was especially impressive when working the left channel and came into his own when that full-back, Alan Sheehan, was sent off.
That did Delph a favour as he was pushed into a more central role where we saw a performance of real class. Delph is a player who demands the ball and his team-mates are only too keen to give it to him, but it is when he has the ball that his class shows. His first thought is to drive into space. Such is his pace he can pass his marker from a standing start, then he settles in space and starts to play.
Because he could do this all over the pitch he constantly put the opposition on the defensive, dragging players towards him and so creating space for others. His boundless energy, which he uses not just with the ball but without it, was also seriously impressive, closing down at every opportunity and putting in tackles that belie his slender frame.
Delph captained Leeds reserves at 17 and you can see why. Even at the tender age of 18 he demanded high standards from his team-mates.
He frequently broke from midfield and his opponents could not stay with him. Once, in a two-on-two attack, he drew both defenders towards him and released the ball perfectly for Jermaine Beckford to have a clear shot on target.
But this player is not just about hard work; there is skill too. After the ball looped about 20 yards in the air, Delph, in one swift movement, performed a Cruyff turn, leaving two defenders in his wake. It drew applause even from the Swindon fans around me.
One or two things need to be worked on. He is left-footed but used his right only sparingly and though on one occasion he did manage to hit a team-mate with a very decent 20-yard cross, his passing of any great distance needs to be more effective. He either picked the wrong ball or hit it with either too much or too little pace.
But this was a performance that really made an impression. Considering it was only his seventh senior game, Leeds have done an astute bit of business in tying this lad to a four-year contract. Whatever they are paying him, he is worth every penny. If he continues to develop he would be Premier League standard before long.
After the game I sat on the train listening to Leeds fans saying he might leave if they do not gain promotion from League One. He is the best young player to come out of the system at Elland Road since Aaron Lennon in 2003. I don't think Leeds fans realise that it is precisely because of their numbers that they support such a big club, and that more than anything may be instrumental in him staying.
Age 18
Born Bradford
Position Defender
Height 5ft 9in
Weight 9st 6lb
From Trainee
Pace 9/10
Crossing 9/10
Heading 8/10
Team responsibility 9/10
Tackling 9/10
Valuation £1m+
