Alonso has altered his keeper, defence, midfield and attack for the round three fixture, which arrives between league games against Arsenal and Hull.

His faith in his squad depth is one of the reasons why he has no qualms in doing so.

‘We have an intense first week of the calendar, few games, and all of them they are ready,’ said Alonso.

‘We need them to feel that they are an important part of the team and that anyone can play, and they have to be ready, so it's good from the start, and as well that players from the bench they can have a good impact as well.

‘We need a top team performance today against a very intense team as Leeds as they demand a lot, and hopefully we will have a good game.’

Watson impressed in pre-season and has been given his chance tonight in the heart of midfield, becoming the fourth-youngest player in our history in the process.

Alonso explained what it is about the 16-year-old that has caught his eye since he arrived at the club.

‘He's one of those players that all the coaches like: responsible, very reliable, focused on the game. You see that he has a football background from family, so it's a great day for him.

‘I mentioned in the team talk that we have all been Reggie Watson one day, and hopefully he will enjoy it.

‘My advice to him is that he deserves to be there because of what he has shown, because of his football, because of his mentality during pre-season when he did really well.

‘We want to encourage the Academy as well, that they see the players have a chance in the first team.’