Michael Owen applauds Leeds teenager on Twitter

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Michael Owen has applauded Leeds United youngster Alfie McCalmont on Twitter, after the midfielder joined in with Northern Ireland senior team’s training.

The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to make his first appearances for Leeds’ first team, despite Marcelo Bielsa’s faith in youth and his willingness to promote players from the Under-23 side.

However, McCalmont’s performances for the reserve team at Leeds under Carlos Corberan has not gone unnoticed by Northern Ireland. It has seen him earn five caps for his nation at Under-19 level.

Now, he is beginning to catch the eye of Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, and the midfielder was pictured in senior training earlier this week. Now, Liverpool legend Michael Owen has applauded McCalmont on Twitter.

The connection between the two is that McCalmont is a client, and on the books of Owen’s sports management firm.

TBR’s view

McCalmont’s displays in the second string have been excellent, and there is a quiet optimism among Leeds fans that the pocket-sized midfielder will be given a chance in the senior side this season.

Sitting at the base of the midfield, his size does not hinder him as he more than makes up for it in work rate and the ability to break up opposition play and put his body where it hurts.

An intricate array of passing and vision, as well as the ability to dictate the tempo of play, he could replace Kalvin Phillips when the latter is unavailable to play himself.