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By Matt Hart
(Jonathan Leko at West Brom)
Who is Jonathan Leko? Why is he one to watch? Here’s an introduction... Born in Kinshasa, DR Congo (on 24th April 1999) Leko moved to England aged 8, being picked up by West Bromwich Albion’s academy at 11. From a young age he was clearly talented and this is why West Brom handed him his Premier League debut aged 16 in a goalless draw away at Sunderland. This made him the first player born in 1999 to play in England’s top flight, an impressive feat.
A full premier league debut against West Ham came shortly after, before West Brom took the decision to recall him from the England u17 squad to give him game time in the remaining fixtures of the 2015/16 season. An appearance against Liverpool on the final day of the season in which he was deemed “a constant threat” was perhaps his best moment, assisting Solomon Rondon with a clever reverse pass. In the summer that followed 17 year old Leko signed his first professional contract, lasting three years til June 2019 and was also awarded the clubs Young Player of the year award.
(Jonathan Leko at Bristol City)
Fast forward to August 2017 and Leko signed on season long loan for Bristol City. After mistakenly giving the ball away to allow Palace to score and win late on he had been called naive and the loan provides an opportunity for Leko to learn outside the spotlight of the Premier League, and where better to do so after the success of Tammy Abraham the season before.
As of 7th November Leko has made 8 appearances (4 starts) for Bristol City, producing one assist and plenty of excitement, with his performance against Derby County a stand out. His powerful 6ft frame paired with genuine pace and quick feet caused Derby problems all game. Every time Leko got the ball he looked to go forward and used those qualities to beat his man frequently. Eventually his hard work paid off as multiple stepovers and a sharp change of direction meant he got brought down in the penalty area to earn his lone assist so far this season. While there have been questions over Leko’s attitude and defence capabilities there is no debate that he is an extremely talented young footballer. If he can focus on his football and gain valuable experience in what is one of the most competitive and unpredictable leagues in world football it will put him in good stead for a regular spot at West Brom sooner rather than later.