Gavin Skelton says the benefits of working under the great Marcelo Bielsa are clear in Carlisle United’s striker Ryan Edmondson.
The summer signing, who has scored three goals so far in pre-season, has also impressed with his professionalism behind the scenes.
So says assistant manager Skelton, who believes the 21-year-old’s football upbringing at Leeds United stands him in good stead.
He was part of the squad at Elland Road under Argentine legend Bielsa, who managed Leeds from 2018-22.
After the frontman scored twice in United’s 3-0 win at Workington Reds on Saturday, coach Skelton said: “The pleasing thing about it is – yes, they all want it, but he really wants it.
READ MORE: Ryan Edmondson shines in the sun as Carlisle United beat battling Workington Reds
“He has the desire and the focus, and a real high level of professionalism.
“Having been at Leeds under Bielsa, he brings that to training and games, and in how he conducts himself.
“Goals will only make him feel better. I think he showed a bit of everything [on Saturday] – an old-fashioned number nine who ran in behind, scored his goal, got on the end of a cross, held it up and worked hard.
“They are pleasing signs but it’s only pre-season. He will give it everything he’s got – he’s a really good professional.”
Edmondson, one of Paul Simpson’s five summer signings so far, joined Leeds from York City’s academy in 2017 and spent the next five years developing at the Yorkshire club.
After a series of loan moves, he made a permanent switch to Brunton Park this summer.
United hope the big striker can give their attacking an important new dimension in the 2022/23 League Two season.
Skelton says the way Edmondson goes about things will give himself the best chance of success.
“You can see it,” the assistant manager added. “You don’t realise sometimes what you’re taking on board, but he has good standards – you can tell.
“The way he eats and prepares, and things like that.
“He’ll give himself every opportunity to have a good career in the game.”
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