Sam Byram achieved an incredible 21-year first for Leeds United in their Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke made nine changes to the side that fell to a heavy defeat against Arsenal in their last Premier League outing.
New signing Noah Okafor earned his first start for Farke’s side, with Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol also making their first appearances in the heart of Leeds’ defence.
Joel Piroe made a small piece of history for the Whites, as he became the first striker since Patrick Bamford to reach 100 appearances for the club.
Sam Byram was named as the Leeds captain for the trip to Hillsborough, achieving a 21-year first in the process.
Sam Byram claps fans during Leeds United v Villarreal CF - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Sam Byram named as Leeds United captain
Byram is in his second spell with Leeds, having made his debut in 2012 before leaving Leeds to join West Ham in 2016 during Massimo Cellino’s troubled reign as the club’s owner.
The versatile full-back returned to the club upon their relegation to the Championship in 2023 and has been a regular feature under Farke.
By taking the field against Sheffield Wednesday, Byram made his 221st appearance for the club.
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According to a post from Opta’s Jonny Cooper on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), this is the most appearances before starting as Leeds captain since 2004, when Alan Smith captained the Whites in his 227th appearance.
It is a well-deserved reward for Byram, who has proven to be a brilliant signing for Farke following his return on a free transfer.
Byram’s career comes full circle in the League Cup
There is a certain symmetry about Byram leading out Leeds as club captain in the League Cup, 13 years on from his senior debut for the club.
Byram was handed the number 25 shirt for Leeds in the 2012/13 season by former manager Neil Warnock, and he made his debut on the 11th August 2012, as Leeds secured a 4-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in a routine cup win.
Sam Byram of Leeds United in action against Wolves in 2012
Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images
Having made his league debut against Wolves the following weekend, the 18-year-old Byram was rewarded with a three-year deal just days later.
Byram quickly established himself as a regular that season and will undoubtedly be thrilled to have finally led Leeds out as captain.