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Leeds United 5 Crewe 2 - Teen talent Delph proves instant hit as Leeds reaffirm credentials
LEEDS United wonderkid Fabian Delph was dubbed the new Steven Gerrard after a performance that confirmed his status as a new hero of Elland Road.
Delph might be small in stature but his talent is massive – which is why Leeds have moved swiftly to secure his services on a four-year deal.
That won't put a stop to Premier League clubs chasing his signature of course but team-mate Andy Robinson hopes the teenager will go all the way to the top by staying at Leeds.
Robinson, who grew up with England star Gerrard on Merseyside, says Delph, 18, has the 'world at his feet'.
The teenager stole the show against Crewe Alexandra and his first goal in senior football opened the floodgates as Leeds smashed in five.
"Fabian is going all the way to the Premier League and, hopefully, he will take Leeds United there too," said Robinson. "He is just a kid who has come in from the streets and who enjoys his football and his banter, but clearly he has got the world at his feet."
Drawing comparisons between the Bradford-born youngster and Liverpool's finest, Robinson said: "When Stevie Gerrard came on the scene, he was very similar, he looked rangy but had the same passing range, and also liked a tackle.
"Fabian snaps you in the tackle and is already whacking senior pros in training.
"He has done me a few times and the gaffer has had to tell him to 'slow down' but that's just a sign of confidence in a player of such a young age.
"Gerrard was always enthusiastic and Fabian is certainly enthusiastic. I always say that if they are good enough, they are old enough and right now I think Fabian's is the first name on the teamsheet."
As one of the best midfielders of his own generation, Leeds manager Gary McAllister is an ideal mentor for young Delph.
McAllister confirmed that there had been 'big interest from big teams' in a player who initially started his career in Bradford City's schoolboy ranks.
If Leeds go on to win promotion this season, it will also go a long way towards keeping the player at Elland Road.
After winning just one of their first four league games, Leeds produced a vintage performance against Crewe to re-affirm their promotion credentials.
Goals from Delph, Alan Sheehan, Jonathan Douglas, Jermaine Beckford and substitute Andy Robinson turned the game into a rout before a late lapse in concentration enabled Crewe to score twice and regain lost pride.
Beckford's apart – which was still a good near post header – all would easily have been contenders for any Goal of the Month competition.
Delph, Sheehan, and Douglas struck from long range while Robinson curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty box.
Substitute Robinson had also struck the bar and provided the cross for Beckford's goal and hopes his contribution will warrant a return to the side next week at Swindon Town.
"It is early days still but losing my place, after a sloppy performance against Yeovil, was the kick up the backside I needed," said the summer signing from Swansea.
"I moved to a new club, got married, and moved house – three of the most stressful things you can do – all in the space of six weeks this summer," he added. "But I guarantee that the fans will see the best of me and I will do well for the club this season."
Defender Lubomir Michalik faces a suspension after being sent off in stoppage time for pulling the shirt of Crewe substitute Clayton Donaldson.
His misdemeanour resulted in Crewe's first goal from the subsequent freekick and was quickly followed by a second scored by Eugen Bopp.
Leeds moved into the League One play-off zone thanks to the win and McAllister admitted that the result had defused pressure around Elland Road.
"I know its only four games in but you look at league tables and it doesn't quite reflect where your form is," he said. "We needed a result, there was a wee bit of pressure leading up to this game.
"We got an absolutely perfect performance for 90 minutes. Barring the last two minutes (of stoppage time), every player and each of the substitutes were first class."
Leeds United: Lucas; Richardson, Michalik, Telfer, Sheehan; Hughes (65), Douglas, Delph; Kilkenny (Robinson 65); Beckford, Becchio (Snodgrass 69). Unused substitutes: Ankergren, Prutton.
Crewe Alexandra: Collis; Woodards, Baudet, O'Donnell, Jones; Rix (Bopp 64), Bailey, Schumacher, Moore; Elding (Donaldson 64), Zola. Unused substitutes: Abbey, Pope, Miller.
Referee: TM Kettle (Rutland).
Big match talking points from Elland Road
Striker Anthony Elding was back at Elland Road for the first time since his summer move to Crewe on Saturday. So did he return to 'haunt' his former club?
Not this time. I know it so often happens but Elding never really had an opportunity to test the Leeds goalkeeper.
What sort of reception did he get from the home fans? They normally make life difficult for former players, don't they?
Elding's family are Leeds supporters and the striker admitted before the game that he had been proud to play for the club, however brief his stay was there last season. That fact was not lost on the Kop who gave Elding warm applause when he was substituted in the second half.
What about this boy, Delph? Is he as good as they say?
You only have to read Andy Robinson's post-match comments to sense that the teenage midfielder is going to be something really special. I don't know about Steven Gerrard – if I was looking to make a comparison, it would be with the late great David Rocastle. He just runs the same way, passes the same way, and shoots with equal zest.
And Leeds have been drawn against Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round. Any news on that?
According to McAllister, the game may be televised live from the Don Valley Stadium on Monday, October 6. He thinks it will be 'strange playing at an athletics stadium' but says Rotherham have no real 'home advantage' after leaving Millmoor.
MATCH FOCUS
Hero: Fabian Delph
The teenage midfielder celebrated a new four-year deal with the Elland Road club by scoring his first-ever senior goal to set Leeds on their way to victory. As well as the goal, however, his overall display oozed maturity beyond his years. This boy is an exciting talent.
Villain: Lubomir Michalik
Harsh but avoidable. The Leeds defender, who had already been booked earlier in the match, pulled the shirt of a Crewe player in stoppage time and was sent off. He faces what could be a costly ban.
Key moment
49th minute: Any hopes Crewe had of getting back into the game evaporated when Jonathan Douglas made it 3-0.
Ref watch
Trevor Kettle: Often maligned in the past, Kettle's performance was excellent, and proved that even referees get better.
Verdict
Leeds will encounter tougher opponents this season but this five-goal salvo still sends out a message to the rest of the League One promotion contenders.
Quote of the day
I moved to a new club, got married, and moved house – three of the most stressful things you can do – all in the space of six weeks this summer.
– Leeds midfielder Andy Robinson reveals his tough summer.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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