‘Same level as Declan Rice’: McGilligan says Leeds have a real ‘gem’ in their ranks

Thu 29 September 2022 19:15, UK

Conor McGilligan has sung the praises of Leeds United youngster Sonny Perkins.

The YouTuber, speaking on the , said West Ham viewed his talent as on par with Declan Rice.

Leeds brought Perkins to Elland Road this summer after his deal with the Hammers expired.

Perkins was prolific for the Londoners, registering in 21 Premier League 2 appearances.

The youngster also registered five goal contributions in four outings for the Under-18s.

And for Leeds, Perkins has very much picked up from where he left off.

This season, he has registered six goals in five Premier League 2 appearances for the Whites.

Perkins has also dazzled for England’s Under-19s this month.

He scored the opening goal of the game against Denmark U19s, before assisting the Three Lions third goal of the game.

This came after a hat-trick on Saturday against Georgia and another goal against Montenegro last Wednesday.

‘Picked up a gem’

McGilligan, speaking on the on Monday, revealed just how highly West Ham rated Perkins.

He said: “They have picked up a gem, in my opinion.

“Before I did this video, I spoke to [someone] last night, spoke to him earlier on this morning, and it was about Sonny Perkins.

“Now, when he first came in, I spoke to the same individual, who is quite close to things going on at West Ham.

“And he was saying that in terms of productivity, in terms of the calibre of the lad, in terms of impact, he was on the same level as Declan Rice.

“That is what the academy-level people at West Ham United were expecting when it came to Sonny Perkins coming through.”

recently reported that West Ham are still furious about his summer exit, and how it came about.

Hammers icon Mark Noble had previously labelled Perkins as ‘‘, and he looks to have a bright future in the game.