In a recent U-23 match between Sunderland and Leeds United, a 19-year-old from the Netherlands lit up the Stadium of Light with an unbelievable goal.
Crysencio Summerville of Leeds found his team trailing 1-0, 5 minutes before halftime, picked up the ball a fair way outside the Sunderland box, brought it down beautifully, weaved past one defender, made his way towards the goal, danced past another, and rifled the ball in the top corner.
The initial touch, the turn after that, going past players as if they’re not there and the sumptuous finish to top it all off, this was not your usual U-23s goal, this was something special; and the best part is, he could’ve easily decided to slot it past the keeper but he rifled it into the corner.
Summerville, 19, was signed from Rotterdam in 2020 and since, has been shining in Leeds’ U-23s games. He has only made three appearances for the senior side so far but the Elland Road faithful are excited to see their up-and-coming winger excel at the highest level.
They see glimpses of a young Raheem Sterling in him, which is quite the compliment. Summerville made his Premier League debut for Leeds against Newcastle last month as Bielsa’s men were looking to turn a 1-1 draw into a victory. The 19-year-old later described the experience as a dream come true and confesses he shed some tears.
Before anyone says anything, it’s only the way he reminds me of how he runs and plays but Summerville has a resemblance to Sterling in stature, running style and the way he moves from a standing start leaving the defender for dead #lufc
Summerville was born in Rotterdam on the 30th of October, 2001. As a kid, he played at RVVV Noorderkwartier before joining the youth setup at Feyenoord in 2008. Ten years later, he signed his first professional contract with his hometown club.
He was loaned to Dordrecht in the second division, where he scored his first professional goal just 6 minutes into his full debut for the club. Following this spell, Eredivisie side Den Haag managed to get him on loan the following season. The then 17-year-old scored his first goal for the club against Vitesse Arnhem, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the top flight for Den Haag.
Overall, Summerville impressed in his short time at the Cars Jeans Stadion, scoring two goals and assisting thrice. He returned to Feyenoord before the 2020-21 season but he was yet to make a first-team appearance for the club & refused to renew his contract, joining Leeds United subsequently.
A part of the Netherlands national team setup
Summerville has also excelled at the Dutch National Team youth levels. An international from U-16, U-17, U-18 & U-19 levels, he was part of the Netherlands side that won the 2018 UEFA European U-17 Championship, which was held in England.
His U-19 record is quite impressive with 6 goals scored in just 5 appearances. Summerville has been described as a tricky, pacey winger with impressive agility, acceleration, balance & stamina. All of these traits were evident in that mind-boggling goal against Sunderland.
A right-winger by trade
His predominant position is as a right-winger but he can also play on the left side. Leeds fans believe he’ll be the one to fill the hole left by Raphinha if the Brazilian is deployed through the middle or decides to leave for pastures anew.
This young man is full of promise and has shown that he can do it for U-23s. Now, it’s time for him to grab whatever opportunities come his way in the first team and prove to everyone that he can do it at the highest level.
Coming into the Premier League, he will have to work on the physical side of his game and this may require putting in some extra hours in the gym. However, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds play in a fearless way that very few sides dare to & seems well suited to what Summerville is as a player & he surely stands to benefit from him. This 19-year-old Dutchman is one to watch out for in the coming years.
