When you see the likes of Danny Rose and James Milner play for England you do want them to do well, both left in hard times at the club and have gone on to represent the country and both came through the academy. The biggest surprise about Lewis Cook getting called up is how fast it has happened since his move from Leeds United.
Cook is another of the conveyer belt at Leeds United, the product of a successful academy system that keeps on brining players through into the first-team, the latest is Ronaldo Vieira, arguably one of Leeds best players at the moment and certainly the brightest prospect currently at the football club. Others such as Kalvin Phillips and Conor Shaughnessy have featured heavily this season and prospects Lewie Coyle, Tyler Denton and Malik Wilks are all out on loan trying to work themselves into the plans back at Elland Road. Cook was always going to play at the highest level for England, his potential ability was above anyone else we have seen in the academy for many years. It’s happened much sooner than anyone thought, but circumstances have meant he has had the chance.
In terms of where England are trying go with players who are good with the ball at their feet Cook suits it perfectly, he can run and run all day, the ball stuck to his feet, we saw it at Elland Road and it seems his end product has improved greatly since heading to the Premier League. Instead of working under Steve Evans he’s now working under Eddie Howe, one of the countries brightest young managers and during the summer he captained the under 20 side to the World Cup, something that has been a theme in recent months with the youth sides and is very encouraging for the future if the national side. Well done Lewis Cook.
