An ex-Premier League star’s son and a flying winger clocking speeds of 23mph – as fast as the quickest players in the top flight! Meet the Leeds kids marching on together to the Youth Cup final

Leeds United will play in their first FA Youth Cup final on Friday night since winning the competition in 1997 – after knocking out Liverpool in the quarter-finals and then winning a seven-goal thriller against a Millwall team who had shocked Chelsea in the previous round .

Here we introduce the new generation of youngsters at the Yorkshire club, a formidably talented group who will take on Manchester City in the final on Friday and look to emulate 1997 Leeds heroes Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell and Paul Robinson…

KEELER

Rory Mahady

I like to remind teammates that he has already played in the European Championship twice, saving two penalties in one match for Scotland Under 19s against France last summer. A truly modern goalkeeper who came over from Celtic in July 2022. He doesn’t lack confidence. He sprays the ball 50 yards to either flank and can often be found near the halfway line when Leeds are attacking.

DEFENDERS

Joe Richards

The longest serving member of this squad, who first arrived at the club’s Thorp Arch training base as a six-year-old and played in the same age group teams as Archie Gray. Energetic full-back, who will probably make striking interventions in both boxes.

Dan Toulson (captain)

Mr Versatile. Played at centre-half in the earlier rounds against Norwich and Brighton, before switching to left-back, and appeared in central midfield for Leeds’ Under 21s. Recognized as a natural leader by coaches and teammates for the way he carries himself and promotes Leeds’ energetic style – and for that reason he wears the armband.

Alfie Cresswell

Younger brother of first team player Charlie and seemingly destined to follow him and their father Richard as an England Under 21 international. Previously played in midfield but swapped positions with Rhys Chadwick for an Under 14 game and has remained at center back ever since. Accomplished on the ball, physically imposing and excellent in the air.

Ruben Lopata-White

Started his youth training as a winger at the age of ten, but progressed his youth career by moving backwards, ending up at the heart of the defense. One of the few true under-18s in a very young group, along with Mahady, Richards and Toulson. Known for his athleticism, strength and speed.

MIDFIELD

Charlie Crew

Rated by his teammates as the best player in the team. Technically excellent, deep playmaker and with a wealth of experience at higher levels. He captained the Wales youth teams and was withdrawn from recent under-21 international duty by Daniel Farke to sit on the bench for the Leeds Championship promotion. Recruited from Cardiff as a Scientist in August 2022.

Harvey Vincent

First played for the Under 18s at the age of 15. A direct winger, from Ripon, who has style and substance. Can play on both flanks, but mainly on the right. The fiery Vincent tries to attack space and create chances for others instead of needlessly beating a defender three or four times.

Josh McDonald

Leeds beat Celtic and Rangers to the winger’s signature when he left Hamilton for £150,000 in May last year. He has been clocked at 23mph, which puts him on par with the fastest players in the Premier League. Continue Leeds’ strong Scottish ties, dating back to the days of Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner.

Rhys Chadwick

A recent string of goals has added to his game. He is known for getting out of tight spaces but is also a set-piece taker. Struck twice in the last eight win over Liverpool, then won and converted the penalty that set Leeds on their way against Millwall, before converting two corners that were turned into their own net by visiting defenders.

FORWARD

Sam Chambers

Another youth player from Scotland, despite being a local boy. He is an all-action runner who is difficult to knock off the ball. As a number 10, he relies more on strength than fancy movement and has a fearsome shot. Signed his first professional contract last month and has established himself in the Premier League North team.

Freddie Lane

Played out wide until Marley Wilson’s injury resulted in a move to striker. The boy from Barnsley, still under 16, moved from City three years ago. Possesses pace and has adapted to the physical challenge of playing two years older. Scored a header from the far post in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Manager

Rob Etherington

He was the academy’s head of strength and conditioning until September 2020, but juggled his day job with gaining his coaching badges.

Etherington (above) was recently promoted from assistant when Scott Gardner was appointed coach of Leeds Under 21s, succeeding Michael Skubala who took over the manager’s job at Lincoln.