Leeds United U21s end-of-year awards including play-off winners' Player of the Season and unsung hero

By Joe Donnohue

Published 16th May 2023, 08:00 BST

The YEP selects their Leeds United Under-21 award winners after the young Whites win promotion from Premier League 2 Division 2 with play-off victory against Nottingham Forest.

Leeds’ youngsters capped a successful season by clinching victory in PL2 Division 2’s play-off final at Elland Road on Monday, May 15.

United secured their spot back in Division 1 for the 2023/24 campaign thanks to goals from Georginio Rutter, Jeremiah Mullen and Kris Moore in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Here are the YEP’s picks for Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Performance of the Season (Team) and much more.

Mateo Joseph's 17 goals were crucial in Leeds' promotion bid, but it's not just his contributions in the final third that make him the YEP's U21 Player of the Year. The England U20 forward is ceaseless in his running of the channels, a tireless presser of opponents and has come on leaps and bounds since arriving last January. A fine season and soon-to-be a bonafide first-team option. (Picture credit: David Davies/PA)

1. Player of the Season: Mateo Joseph

Mateo Joseph's 17 goals were crucial in Leeds' promotion bid, but it's not just his contributions in the final third that make him the YEP's U21 Player of the Year. The England U20 forward is ceaseless in his running of the channels, a tireless presser of opponents and has come on leaps and bounds since arriving last January. A fine season and soon-to-be a bonafide first-team option. (Picture credit: David Davies/PA) Photo: David Davies

Plucked from West Ham's academy, Sonny Perkins has added double figures in goals, care and craft on the ball and a physical side to Leeds' attack. Even when goals have not been forthcoming in games, Perkins' influence is substantial at this level, prolonging attacks by retaining possession in the final third. The teenager's technique is superb for his stature and a big season awaits in 2023/24. (Picture credit: David Davies/PA)

2. Signing of the Season: Sonny Perkins

Plucked from West Ham's academy, Sonny Perkins has added double figures in goals, care and craft on the ball and a physical side to Leeds' attack. Even when goals have not been forthcoming in games, Perkins' influence is substantial at this level, prolonging attacks by retaining possession in the final third. The teenager's technique is superb for his stature and a big season awaits in 2023/24. (Picture credit: David Davies/PA) Photo: David Davies

Gray's solo run from the halfway line against Middlesbrough U21, controlling a bouncing ball with his chest, then lifting it over the leg of an opponent before bursting forth and galloping clear of not one but two challenges whilst holding off defenders is the YEP's U21 goal of the season. A confident and assured finish at the end of a run which exhibited first-class ball control, determination and technical skill. Had his weetabix that morning, did Archie. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

3. Goal of the Season: Archie Gray

Gray's solo run from the halfway line against Middlesbrough U21, controlling a bouncing ball with his chest, then lifting it over the leg of an opponent before bursting forth and galloping clear of not one but two challenges whilst holding off defenders is the YEP's U21 goal of the season. A confident and assured finish at the end of a run which exhibited first-class ball control, determination and technical skill. Had his weetabix that morning, did Archie. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) Photo: Warren Little

Charlie Allen was a bit-part player in seasons gone by for the U21s, but this year, across a variety of positions including No. 10, right-wing and left-back, he's been an integral part of this promotion push. Popped up with a couple of goals and more than a handful assists, as well - he's been impressive. (Pic: Steve Riding)

4. Most Improved Player: Charlie Allen

Charlie Allen was a bit-part player in seasons gone by for the U21s, but this year, across a variety of positions including No. 10, right-wing and left-back, he's been an integral part of this promotion push. Popped up with a couple of goals and more than a handful assists, as well - he's been impressive. (Pic: Steve Riding) Photo: Steve Riding

Defenders do tend to be the unsung heroes of the piece and Jeremiah Mullen is no different for Leeds' 21s. The teenager recently earned a first call-up to Scotland's Under-21 group demonstrating that his assured, level-headed displays at centre-back have not gone amiss. Defences win championships and in this case, promotion. How about that goal in the play-off final, by the way? (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

5. Unsung Hero: Jeremiah Mullen

Defenders do tend to be the unsung heroes of the piece and Jeremiah Mullen is no different for Leeds' 21s. The teenager recently earned a first call-up to Scotland's Under-21 group demonstrating that his assured, level-headed displays at centre-back have not gone amiss. Defences win championships and in this case, promotion. How about that goal in the play-off final, by the way? (Picture: Bruce Rollinson) Photo: Bruce Rollinson

Mateo scoops his second YEP award of the season, named U21s' Ironman after featuring more often than any other player for the youngsters this season. An impressive feat given the demanding role he's been asked to undertake, leading the line solo, initiating the press. (Pic: Steve Riding)

6. Ironman: Mateo Joseph

Mateo scoops his second YEP award of the season, named U21s' Ironman after featuring more often than any other player for the youngsters this season. An impressive feat given the demanding role he's been asked to undertake, leading the line solo, initiating the press. (Pic: Steve Riding) Photo: Steve Riding

Nottingham Forest Division 1 Elland Road