Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has singled out one of the unsung heroes in his squad for praise, having played a key role behind the scenes this season.
Anyone who has watched Leeds’ under-21s this season will have noticed a familiar face marshalling the centre of defence for the Leeds Academy side.
Although Harry Gray has been the centre of attention for Leeds’ young charges this season, Leeds veteran Jonny Howson has played an important role for the under-21s.
Howson returned to Elland Road this summer to take on a player-coach role with the Whites, 19 years after he made his debut for the Leeds first-team in an EFL Cup tie against Barnet.
Now, Farke has praised Howson for his influential role behind the scenes at Leeds, on the day after the under-21s secured a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao’s B-team.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke praises Leeds United veteran Jonny Howson
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Leeds’ game against Burnley, Farke explained why it was so essential to have a player like Howson in the wider squad.
According to Farke, he warned his players not to even try to press Howson in an inter-squad friendly, and his longstanding connection with the club is an important part of Farke’s philosophy.
“When I heard the news that we wanted to sign Jonny Howson for our under-21s, I said, ‘No, no, we signed him for the first team.’ I love him as a player, really,” Farke said.
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“I always told him, with his quality and his calmness on the ball, he can play until he’s 45, so even sometimes when I watch him on the other pitch and see how smooth he’s still on the ball and composed, I’m tempted to call him up for our training.
“We had a bit of an in-house friendly also during the international break. I told my players, listen, Jonny Howson, we spoke about how we want to press, he’s unpressable, you don’t even have to try it.
“He’s top class, so don’t worry, I won’t call him up. But I think to have a lad like him around, with his personality also, with his Leeds roots, then as a role model for the young lads, it’s a perfect thing that you need to have.
“I think it’s also an important part and cornerstone of our philosophy to have our former players involved, and also local boys within the club. Of course, you can’t run a Premier League side just with local boys, but whenever it’s possible to do this, it’s a joy to have Jonny around.”
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty ImagesHow many games did Jonny Howson play for Leeds United?
Eddie Burbanks is Leeds’ oldest player, but Howson would comfortably break this record if Farke’s prediction comes true. Howson made his Leeds debut in Kevin Blackwell’s final game as Leeds manager, as Ian Thomas Moore scored twice in a League Cup win over Barnet.
However, the all-action midfielder only truly established himself as a regular in the Leeds first team following their relegation to League One.
Overall, Howson played 225 times for Leeds and had a handy knack of popping up with a goal, including one in a famous comeback win over Burnley in 2010.
Now, the Leeds Academy product is playing another important role, helping to guide the next generation at Thorp Arch into Farke’s first team.