The nature of Premier League football means some talented players often fail to get a chance at Leeds.
Joe Gelhardt is currently thriving on loan at Hull with seven goals in 15 Championship appearances so far this term, also showing plenty of promise last time Leeds were in the Premier League – but making just six starts across two seasons as opportunities were scarce amid relegation battles.
Elia Caprile is another talent who Leeds felt they couldn’t risk testing out in the Premier League, but despite failing to make a single appearance, the Italian is more grateful than bitter.
Elia Caprile thanks Marcelo Bielsa and acknowledges importance of Leeds United spell
Leeds signed the Verona-born goalkeeper from Chievo back in January 2020 when he was just 18, having shown plenty of potential in Italy.
However, he never made a senior appearance under Marcelo Bielsa or Jesse Marsch before the latter sold him to Bari in July 2022.
Caprile has shone ever since, even receiving a call to the Italy squad by Gennaro Gattuso in recent days thanks to his efforts with Cagliari this term.
Instead of using this landmark moment to aim a dig at Leeds, the 24-year-old instead recognised the importance of his time at Elland Road in his journey.
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Tuttosport quote Caprile as saying: “The experience abroad was fundamental, it opened my mind, it forced me to adapt to different situations, a new language that I didn’t know, I’m very happy I did it.
“That first call-up to the Premier League with Bielsa is unforgettable.”
Hopefully, these comments serve to show other talented prospects that a move to Leeds can be beneficial to their career.
Football Italia believe Cagliari now value Caprile to be worth €18m (£16m) after his admirable rise since leaving Leeds.
Elia Caprile has matured since apparent dig at Leeds United
After joining Bari, Caprile seemed to take a dig at Leeds for never giving him a senior debut as he praised his new side for believing in him.
He told Media Gol: “Why the choice of Bari in the summer? They believed in me, I was lucky with this.”
Elia Caprile in action for Cagliari
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
At the time, some Leeds fans took offence to that, but it speaks volumes about his growth that Caprile can now recognise the benefits of his time at Elland Road – even without making a senior appearance.