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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Carlos Corberan has a plethora of options available to him at U23 level.

Before last week, Leeds’ young stars had gone unbeaten and even beat Watford 6-0 while including players like Luke Ayling and Eddie Nketiah in the starting XI.

Previously at FFC we’ve analysed how this policy could have a negative impact on those coming through at academy level, but those who could be hindered most come in an attacking area.

Leeds only have two out-and-out strikes in their first team but Marcelo Bielsa’s favouritism of Patrick Bamford has meant Nketiah has also been reduced to chances in the academy.

Not only has this seen Ryan Edmondson struggle for opportunities after scoring a hat-trick in pre-season, but it’s also limited Kun Temenuzhkov, who could now be facing an uphill battle to make an impact.

The Bulgarian is a player with enormous promise, so much in fact that he was once in the famous La Masia academy at Barcelona.

You don’t grow up coming through the ranks in Catalonia without an abundance of talent. After all, it’s an academy that’s developed the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Temenuzhkov isn’t close to possessing the same level of quality as those types of players but he does have great ability, something that was detailed when he was named as one of The Guardian’s 60 best young players in football for 2017.

A profile was given which compared him to the teenager’s idol and one of the current crop at Barcelona: “Temenuzhkov is deservedly regarded as one of Bulgaria’s hottest football prospects. Growing up idolising Luis Suarez, the pint-sized prospect has shown the same predator’s instinct in the penalty area as the Uruguay striker.”

That was fine praise indeed for the 18-year-old who has only featured on one occasion for the Leeds senior team after making the move from Spain.

Eligible to play for the Iberian country and Bulgaria, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he’ll ever get a chance to stamp down his authority.

Not only does he have Bamford and Nketiah to get past but the striking options within the U23s is hotly contested.

Temenuzhkov is battling Edmondson and new signing Liam McCarron which has seen him reduced to substitute appearances more than anything else.

Having recently been rewarded with a new contract Leeds clearly rate the prospect highly but they must now prove there is a route to the first team.

This deal is a huge display of faith but his lack of opportunities so far this term isn’t too promising.

After scoring 30 goals in as many games for Barcelona’s Juvenil B team once upon a time, it seems foolish not to try and unearth more of his talents.

So far, it’s proving an uphill battle for the youngster and it’s unlikely to get any easier in the immediate future.