43 In 85 Games – Who Is This 22-Year Old Canadian Star That Leeds Are Chasing? Everything You Need To Know

Scout Report – Cyle Larin

According to reports from Sunday’s print edition of the Sun (via Express), Leeds United are lining up a move for Canadian striker Cyle Larin.  

The 22-year old forward, who plays for Major League Soccer side Orlando City FC, has emerged as a surprise target for the Whites and a move for him in the January transfer window is very much on the cards. The report also claims that Leeds are likely to face competition in their pursuit of Larin, with Turkish giants Besiktas also monitoring the forward.  

Here we bring you the lowdown on the 22-year old marksman and what qualities he will bring in if Leeds sign him.

Footballing Background

Born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, on April 17, 1995, Larin joined the academy of Sigma FC in Ontario and progressed through the ranks, graduating in 2013. During his days with Sigma FC, he had trials at various clubs across Europe, with the likes of Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, Club Brugge etc, but ended up joining Connecticut Huskies in 2013 – the ‘soccer’ team of University of Connecticut.

His first taste of professional football came in 2015, when Orlando City signed him as the first pick of the MLS Draft in January 2015, rebuffing interest from several Premier League clubs. In his first MLS season, Larin netted 17 goals in 27 league games and won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award. Last year, he scored 14 times in 32 appearances. 

In the ongoing campaign, the 22-year old has found the net 11 times in 24 outings and in the process, has become Orlando City’s leading goal-scorer ever in the history of the club with 43 strikes in 85 games, overtaking Kevin Molino, who had 42 goals in 144 appearances. 

Larin broke into the Canada international team in 2014, making his debut in March. And since then, he has played 21 times, notching up five goals in the process. 

Style Of Play

Standing at a little over 6ft 2in, Larin is a tall, strong and imposing presence at the top of the attack, who can brush aside his opponents with his strength and power. The 22-year old puts his strong physique to good use, acting as a focal point in the attack and has shown that he can hold up the play really well and bring his teammates into the game.  

As is expected with his height and strength, the Canadian international is quite a force in the air and makes for a great target from set-piece situations. A clinical finisher, with both his feet and his head, Larin exudes great composure in front of goal, despite his young age.  

Larin isn’t the fastest on the ground and doesn’t possess very good dribbling skills, which means he is reliant on getting good service. But when an opportunity is presented, he will find the back of the net more often than not.

What Does The Future Hold?

Having lost Chris Wood to Burnley, Leeds are looking to beef up their strike-force in order to mount a successful promotion campaign. They have brought in Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Caleb Ekuban and Jay-Ray Grot in the summer, but with Ekuban ruled out for three months due to an injury, more depth wouldn’t hurt Thomas Christiansen.

Larin may not have had experience outside of the MLS, but has shown that he has great potential. A rate of one goal every other game at his age is an impressive tally and if signed, he could prove to be an exciting addition to the Whites.