Leeds United’s academy has been capable of producing some truly solid Premier League talent, more than capable of playing for the Whites or an even higher station.

One of their more notorious recent successes was Kalvin Phillips, whose performances were so impressive he even earned an England call-up before his side had begun playing England’s top-flight again, following their promotion.

With this success, however, there becomes a desire to emulate it.

In 19-year-old Lewis Bate, there seems to be a very serious chance they could do just that, should Jesse Marsch choose to unleash him more often.

Upon first returning to the Premier League with the Peacocks, the now Manchester City midfielder averaged an 85% pass accuracy, with 1.2 of them being key passes per game. He announced himself as a master will long-range passing.

Marcelo Bielsa clearly saw a similarly bright future in Bate, as he had the following to say at the start of last season:

“He's a player that performs better in the times in the games that he's a part of. He's a player that is constantly managing the ball and he doesn't lose it very often. And he's got a good sense of a pass, he can thread it through the needle.”

This marks high praise, as his ability to manage the ball would currently be very important for Marsch’s side that are currently somewhat struggling. They have lost their last four games in the league.

Meanwhile, Bate has been getting his first taste of senior football for Oxford United in League One.

This precious playing time will fast-track his development, as prior to this season he had only featured largely in youth teams.

He has already played 11 times for his new club, building upon the four short cameos he has already made for the Leeds first team.

Previously he had been at Chelsea, where he quickly outlined that his level was way above the under-18s.

To score six and assist five in just 29 matches from central midfield outlines his qualities, showing that he is not just a pass-master but can be a creative influence too. He has the qualities that suggest he could even surpass his predecessor.

This will please Marsch, who has been crying out for a Phillips-type midfielder since his summer sale to the Cityzens.