Portuguese coach Claudio Braga has stressed the importance of Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville feeling the confidence of his coaches when he is on the pitch.
Summerville has been Leeds’ player of the season, scoring 19 times and registering nine assists in 41 Championship appearances.
The Dutchman has come into his own at Leeds this term and Braga, who coached the player at second-tier Dutch outfit Dordrecht, is pleased to see the winger’s development this season.
The Portuguese stressed that what has been pleasing to see is that despite being a winger, Summerville is finding ways to affect the game even from the centre of the pitch.
He believes if he continues to remain consistent, the Dutchman is destined to return to the Premier League and go to new heights.
“What fascinates me more this year is that I see him playing and finding solutions in the centre of the field”, Braga told The Athletic.
“With us he was more of a winger, always on the line, dribbling vertically. But the speed and his power in the one-against-one, it doesn’t matter if he’s on the side, upfront, in behind.
“It’s what makes him special.
“We were all looking for consistency for him and, if he can keep it, he can go to the Premier League with Leeds, and maybe one day make a jump to the top in the world.”
His former coach also stressed that Summerville needs to be given independence on the pitch and feel the confidence of his coaches that he can find solutions himself.
“It’s up to him but any manager who works with him must not kill the talent.
“Give him space to find solutions and show his quality.
“He needs to feel the confidence to do his thing in an attacking way.
“That gives you the power and the strength, everything in his character.”
If Leeds miss out on promotion this season then they are likely to face the prospect of clubs wanting to sign Summerville in the summer window.
