The son of a former Premier League star and a flying winger with a speed of 23 mph – as fast as the fastest players in the elite! Meet the kids from Leeds marching to the Youth Cup final together

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

Here we introduce you to the Yorkshire club’s new generation of youngsters, a fantastically talented group who take on Manchester City in the final on Friday, attempting to emulate Leeds heroes of 1997, Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell and Paul Robinson…

GOALIE

Rory Mahady

He likes to remind his teammates that he has already been to the Euros twice, saving two penalties in a Scotland Under-19s match against France last summer. A truly modern goalkeeper who arrived from Celtic in July 2022, he has no shortage of confidence, blasting the ball 50 yards down either flank and often finding it near the halfway line when Leeds attack.

DEFENDERS

Joe Richards

The longest serving member of this team, having first arrived at the club’s Thorp Arch training base at the age of six, playing in the same age group teams as Archie Gray. Energetic full-back, capable of making decisive interventions in both areas.

Dan Toulson (captain)

Mr. Versatile. Played in center half in previous rounds against Norwich and Brighton, before moving 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 that’s why he wears the armband.

Alfie Cresswell

Younger brother of first team Charlie and seemingly destined to follow him and their father Richard as an England Under-21 international. Previously played in midfield, but switched positions with Rhys Chadwick for one game in under-14 and has remained in central defense since then. Accomplished with the ball, physically imposing and excellent in the air.

Reuben Lopata-White

He began his academy years as a winger at the age of 10, but progressed his youth career moving back, ending up at the heart of defence. One of the few real U18s in a very young group, with Mahady, Richards and Toulson. Renowned for his athleticism, strength and speed.

MIDFIELDER

Charlie Crew

Considered the best player on the team by his teammates. Technically excellent, deep playmaker and with a wealth of experience at senior levels. He has captained Wales’ youth teams and was plucked from his recent under-21 international duty by Daniel Farke to be on the bench for promotion to Championship side Leeds. Recruited to Cardiff as a researcher in August 2022.

Captain Dan Toulson has played at left back, center half and central midfield this season.

Harvey Vincent

First played for the under-18s at age 15. A direct winger, from Ripon, who has style and substance. Can play on both flanks, but mainly on the right. Flame-haired Vincent looks to attack space and create chances for others rather than needlessly beating a defender three or four times.

Josh McDonald

Leeds beat Celtic and Rangers to signing the winger when he left Hamilton in May last year, paying £150,000. He has been clocked at 23 mph, putting him among the fastest players in the Premier League. Continuing Leeds’ strong Scottish links, dating back to the days of Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner.

Rhys Chadwick

A recent burst of goals has added to his game. Renowned for getting out of tight spaces, he is also the taker of set pieces. Strike twice in the last 16 against Liverpool, then won and converted the penalty that put Leeds ahead against Millwall, then kicked two corners which were turned into their own net by the visiting defenders.

BEFORE

Sam Rooms

Another young Scottish player, although he is a local boy. A tough action runner to bring the ball down, he relies on power rather than fancy shots as a number 10 and possesses a fearsome shot. Signed his first professional contract last month and established himself at the Premier League North side.

Freddie Lane

Played widely until Marley Wilson’s injury resulted in a switch to striker. Still under 16, the Barnsley boy left City three years ago. Has pace and has adapted to the physical challenge of playing two years later. Scored a header at the far post in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Director

Rob Etherington

He was responsible for strength and conditioning at the academy until September 2020, but combined his day job with completing his coaching badges.

Etherington (above) was recently promoted to assistant when Scott Gardner was appointed Leeds Under 21 coach replacing Michael Skubala taking the manager’s job at Lincoln.