Have Leeds uncovered a gem in Max Dean after latest under-23 goal?

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There is no question that Joe Gelhardt was the player who deserved to steal the majority of the headlines as Leeds United’s under-23s produced another impressive win at the weekend. 

Gelhardt scored twice as the Whites beat Crystal Palace 4-1. His second goal, in particular, provided a further reminder as to why many are so confident that the 18-year-old is destined for a first-team chance in the near future.

But Mark Jackson’s side is currently full of players who look to have incredibly bright futures ahead of them.

The likes of Cody Drameh, Jack Jenkins and Charlie Cresswell look to have every chance of further forcing their way onto Marcelo Bielsa’s radar.

But it is surely fair to say that another name is also establishing himself as a name to look out for.

Max Dean first caught the eye for many when he scored twice away at Barrow in the EFL Trophy last month. On both occasions, he showed good composure to convert the chances.

He then marked his under-23 debut with a superb goal against Reading. It was a delicious piece of skill to flick a free-kick into the back of the net.

And he has now made it two goals in two for Jackson’s men. He bagged the final strike in Sunday’s victory. On two occasions, he reacted fastest to head home into a practically empty net to make the points safe.

Dean is impressing in a number of roles in the early stages of his under-23 career, including up front and out wide.

Admittedly, it may be some time before we see the youngster make his senior debut. But the signs certainly suggest that he is definitely on the right path.