MOWATT CLAIMS MONTHLY AWARD

MOWATT CLAIMS MONTHLY AWARD

Midfielder named The Football League's Young Player of the Month for November...

Leeds United midfielder Alex Mowatt has been handed The Football League’s Young Player of the Month award for November. 

The award covers players that play in all three divisions of the Sky Bet Football League.

Mowatt completed all five of United’s games in November, scoring three times and setting up another two goals as he earned an England Under-20s call-up along the way.

He started the month with an impressive solo goal in the 3-1 defeat at Cardiff – Neil Redfearn’s first game as head coach – before netting a stunning double in the 2-2 draw with Charlton just three days later.

Mowatt deservedly collected the Man of the Match award at Elland Road that night and head coach Redfearn desribed him as "an outstanding talent" following his display.

He then went on to have key roles in the eye-catching home wins that followed, playing a part in Liam Cooper's strike against Blackpool and teeing up Mirco Antenucci for the opener against Derby County at the end of November.

A graduate of the Leeds United Academy, Yorkshire-born Alex joined the club as a nine-year-old, having previously attended one of their development centres. 

After progressing through the youth ranks, Alex made his debut for Leeds at the start of last season in a 3-1 Capital One Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers, before going on to establish himself as a first team regular at Elland Road.

On receiving the trophy, Alex said: “This season I think I have stepped it up from last season and I've done well.

“There’s a few lads from the academy in the first team now and these are my mates away from football so to be celebrating goals and having fun with them on the pitch is just brilliant”.

Head Coach Neil Redfearn added, "The scope of what is in front of him is immeasurable.He has the world at his feet and is an outstanding young player.”

Each season, Football League clubs invest more than £60m on identifying, training and educating the next generation of football talent.

There are 8,500 young players between the ages of 8 and 18 registered with League clubs, making Football League Youth Development the largest centrally co-ordinated young player programme in world football. Over 200 players aged 21 or under make their professional debuts for Football League clubs each season.

Commenting on this month’s recipient, David Wetherall, Head of Youth Development at The Football League and former United defender, said “Alex has taken the step up to first team football in his stride, with the consistency in his performances over the last year incredibly impressive given his age. He had an outstanding month and is thoroughly deserving of this accolade.”

Each month the accolade is awarded by The Football League to the young player who has made the most significant contribution and impact in first team football. 

To be eligible the player must be either under 21 years of age or be playing in the season during which he turns 21. Currently around a quarter of all players registered with Football League clubs are eligible to be considered for this award.

For more information on the award and each month’s winner visit www.football-league.co.uk

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