Leeds have an ‘incredible’ player who’s ‘every manager’s dream’, according to his former boss

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Leeds United ace Stuart Dallas has been described as “every manager’s dream” by Stephen Baxter, who gave the Whites ace his first big chance at Crusaders.

Dallas has been a superb servant for the Elland Road outfit since joining from Brentford in 2015.

The Northern Irishman has made 223 competitive appearances for Leeds, scoring 26 goals and claiming 17 assists.

Arguably his finest day came on Saturday, when he scored a brace to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side run out 2-1 winners at Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Dallas opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when he connected with Patrick Bamford’s layoff to fire home via the woodwork.

However, Leeds found themselves a man down after Liam Cooper was sent off for a lunge on Gabriel Jesus, and Ferran Torres went on to draw his side level in the second half.

Marcelo Bielsa’s charges didn’t let their heads drop and, in injury time, Dallas came to the rescue again.

Ezgjan Alioski played a superb through-ball to his teammate, who raced towards goal under pressure from John Stones and Fernandinho, and duly slotted past Ederson.

Crusaders boss Baxter signed Dallas, who was then 18, for the Irish Premiership side after watching him impress for Coagh United in an Irish Cup game against Crusaders in 2010.

“He just seems to be in every corner of the pitch all of the time so when an attack is developing he’s there, when he’s having to defend he’s there,” Baxter told Sky Sports.

“He can play in so many different positions, his versatility is really incredible.

“You just throw him into all these different positions so nothing surprises me with Stuart.

“To just mix it and climb in the different leagues he’s played in has just been superb and to watch his rise has been brilliant.

“He’s every manager’s dream because he listens and he learns. I watched him on Saturday hitting the box late and making those dragging runs from one half to the next.

“He either scores a goal by hitting that late run or if the play breaks down he’s able to get back in again and get back in his defensive position.

“So with that ability, like a cross country runner if you like, he can get round the pitch all of the time and that’s a great attribute to have.”

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Can’t argue with what Baxter’s said – Dallas is indeed a manager’s dream, given his versatility, attitude and of course talent.

Leeds have been nothing short of sensational and, with players like Dallas in their ranks, they can continue to go far.