'Carry a team' - Summerville on Leeds United leadership, Walker-Peters and Firpo link

Goals and assists are the currency many people will weigh Crysencio Summerville’s season in when they look back on Leeds United’s season. And yet, the man himself sees it as more than that.

Only two players were involved in more Championship goals than Summerville this season. One of them, Adam Armstrong, awaits at Wembley on Sunday. The statistics would suggest there’s a high probability one of them will have played a key role if their team lifts the trophy under the arch.

Unlike so many of his relegated team-mates, there was never any meaningful noise about the Dutch winger leaving last summer. Once he had resolved to stick around, he made it his mission to become one of the key players in this promotion tilt.

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That meant more than performances to him, it was leadership, character, work rate and being there for his team-mates.

“I said to myself one of my goals was to be a key player for Leeds United this season,” he said. “Some people call it pressure, but I just call it challenging myself.

“I like that and I love to be important for the team and to carry a team in a good way. Not only with goals and assists, but also through leadership on and off the pitch.”

Kyle Walker-Peters was named in the Championship Team of the Season on the same night Summerville got the same acclaim and more. Indeed, the second tier’s best player outright will go head to head with its best right-back on Sunday.

The Southampton defender was one of the stand-out players from the recent clash at Elland Road and will need to be matched in both directions by Summerville.

“He’s one of the best right-backs in the Championship and was in the Team of the Season as well,” he said. “I like to challenge myself against the best, so I’m looking forward to the duel.”

Help in that left-wing battle is likely to come from Junior Firpo, who had his own issues with Walker-Peters at Elland Road this month. While the Dominican is not always perfect in defence, he has been a real asset in attack for the Whites, especially on Thursday in the play-off semi-final second leg against Norwich City.

One of the key moments of the night came with the fourth goal when Firpo could have justifiably shot at goal with the game already won, but he instead selflessly rolled the ball into Summerville’s path for a tap-in. The pair were left beaming and pointing at each other.

“Through the season our connection grew a lot,” said Summerville. “I love to play with Junior on the left and we feel each other like water. I can only say it’s been good.

“Normally, some people could take a shot, but he had a look, saw me and thought ‘Okay, Cree is in a better position’ so he played me the ball.”

Summerville’s closest friends in the squad have been impossible to ignore since their first day together. Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter are never far away from their Dutch wizard.

“It’s always good to have a good team and also a good friendship in your team,” he said. “As soon as they came in, I saw them as my brothers.

“Our friendship has grown a lot this season, so I’m very happy to play with them. You can tell on the pitch.”