"Rooney doesn't fill me with much confidence" - Leeds United claim follows Darko Gyabi move to Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

The young midfielder has returned to Home Park for another loan stint

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Plymouth Argyle have completed the loan signing of midfielder Darko Gyabi from Leeds United.

The 20-year-old midfielder has returned to Home Park under the guidance of former Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, who takes charge of the Green Army for the first time on Sunday, August 11th.

Formerly of Manchester City, there was a big expectation that the England youth international would be able to slot into the first-team plans at Elland Road, a pathway which is yet to really materialise.

Therefore, Daniel Farke has understandably opted to take the wise option of loaning Gyabi out to bolster his overall development, and plenty of eyes will be cast on the midfielder over the upcoming Championship campaign.

Leeds United fan pundit hoping for successful Darko Gyabi loan stint

One of those who will be monitoring Gyabi's progress with keen eyes is Football League World's Leeds United fan pundit, Kris Smith.

Smith was impressed by what he saw of Gyabi following his last move to Devon in January, but believes the appointment of Rooney could have significant ramifications on the development of the 20-year-old over the upcoming 46-game campaign, as well as Plymouth's own prospects.

"The positives for me of Gyabi going back to Plymouth - now it's confirmed - is that he knows what to expect with regard to the club he's going to and the standards that they're at," Smith began.

"He'll know a lot of the players, and the fact he's going to be playing a lot as well, he really should walk straight into their starting lineup," he declared. "Albeit, he was really consistent for them during his brief stint before his injury there last season.

"But, he did have some impressive performances to go with it. Especially away at Middlesbrough, when he was essentially playing as a left-winger," Smith stated. "That should be really encouraging for him, and for Plymouth.

"The fact he's playing for Rooney doesn't fill me with much confidence," he declared. "I would've preferred Gyabi to go to a team with a coach that actually knows what they're doing and has a track record of improving players. I don't see that with him."

Darko Gyabi's impressive cameo stint at Home Park

As our fan pundit already alluded to, Gyabi left a good impression on the Home Park faithful in his brief stint, averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.85, a solid impact in just 10 appearances, nine of which were starts.

Smith also referred to Argyle's 2-0 victory at the Riverside Stadium under Ian Foster on February 24th, which saw the England U20 international feature on the left-wing, registering his solitary goal contribution for the campaign in the process, assisting Ryan Hardie's 31st-minute strike.

However, such progress was dampened as Gyabi sustained a groin injury just two weeks later, returning to West Yorkshire for treatment, before failing to make another appearance before the final day of the season.

Although the former Birmingham City boss has come under scrutiny for his performance in the dugout in the Second City, his comments on Gyabi's loan switch will no doubt be a major confidence booster to the Three Lions youth prospect.

"I heard really good reports about Darko from his time with Argyle last season and since watching him closely I was really keen to bring him back to the club," Rooney told official club media.

“He fits the profile of midfielder I like to have within the squad, as he is good on the ball, powerful and athletic, and will fit the style of play I am looking to implement."

The new Argyle boss concluded: "It is a really exciting time with the squad due back for pre-season this week - I am delighted that Darko will be a part of that."

With Rooney stating that Gyabi fits the mould of player Rooney wants in his midfield, there is hope that whilst many believe Plymouth could struggle under the Liverpudlian's management, the London-born midfielder can be a beacon of light and return to Elland Road as an even more well-rounded performer.