Oldham Athletic vs Leeds United U21s: Three Oldham players to watch

Leeds United Under-21s will have the opportunity to measure themselves against senior Football League opposition when they face Oldham Athletic in the Vertu Trophy, with Micky Mellon's side possessing a mixture of attacking quality and experience.

The Whites secured a 4-3 victory over Barnsley in their opening fixture, with Callum Mills scoring a hat-trick, and will be looking to build on that performance against an Oldham side whose senior players will provide a different kind of challenge.

Three members of the Latics squad stand out ahead of the meeting at Boundary Park, each bringing different qualities that Leeds will need to account for.

Position: Forward

2026/27 League Two statistics: Nine appearances, four goals and three assists.

Calum Kavanagh has emerged as one of Oldham's most productive attacking players this season, contributing seven goals and assists across his opening eight League Two appearances.

His return of four goals and three assists makes him a particularly important player for Leeds to monitor.

Born in Cardiff, the Republic of Ireland youth international developed through Middlesbrough's academy before gaining senior experience with loan spells at Harrogate Town and Newport County.

He subsequently joined Bradford City, where he made 61 league appearances and scored 14 goals before moving to Oldham in February 2026.

Kavanagh's early development included an impressive record at youth level with Middlesbrough, and he has continued to demonstrate his attacking potential in senior football.

His ability to contribute both goals and assists means Leeds cannot focus solely on preventing him from getting into scoring positions; limiting the service he provides to teammates will also be important.

For a young Leeds defence, Kavanagh represents a useful test of positioning, communication and the ability to manage an opponent who has already demonstrated his effectiveness in League Two this campaign.

Position: Forward

2026/27 League Two statistics: Nine appearances, one goal and one assist.

Mike Fondop-Talom offers Oldham a different attacking option, combining senior experience with a physical presence that could challenge Leeds' young defenders.

The 32-year-old has become an established figure at Boundary Park since arriving in January 2022.

Across his Oldham career, he has made more than 180 appearances and scored 49 goals, while his previous seasons in the National League included productive spells with the club and other sides in non-league football.

Fondop scored eight league goals and supplied four assists during the 2025/26 League Two campaign.

His contribution this season has so far reached one goal and one assist from eight appearances, giving him two direct goal involvements.

His experience is arguably as significant as his current numbers.

Fondop has played regularly across the National League and the Football League, giving him an understanding of the physical and tactical demands of senior football.

Leeds' young centre-backs will need to be alert to his movement, compete effectively in duels and avoid allowing him to receive the ball comfortably with his back to goal.

Managing an experienced forward of his profile could be one of the most valuable learning opportunities presented by the fixture.

Position: Midfielder

2026/27 League Two statistics: Nine appearances, one assist.

While Kavanagh and Fondop provide the attacking threats, Oliver Norburn brings considerable experience to the middle of the pitch.

The 33-year-old joined Oldham in the summer of 2026 after spending the previous season with Notts County. His career has also included spells with Shrewsbury Town, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough United, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic, giving him extensive experience across the English Football League. 

Norburn featured 38 times in League Two for Notts County during 2025/26, recording one goal and one assist as the Magpies gained promotion to Sky Bet League One.

He has continued to play a prominent role at Oldham, starting all nine of their league matches at the time of the available statistics and registering another assist.

Although his goal contributions are limited, his importance should not be judged by attacking statistics alone.

His experience of senior football and familiarity with the demands of League One and League Two make him a player who can help Oldham manage the tempo of a game.

For Leeds, the challenge will be to press intelligently, close passing lanes and prevent Norburn from dictating play in midfield.

If the young Whites can disrupt his influence and compete successfully in central areas, they will give themselves a better chance of imposing their own style on the contest.

Oldham's squad presents a combination of attacking production, physical experience and midfield know-how.

Kavanagh's seven league goal involvements make him an obvious threat, while Fondop's physicality and Norburn's experience offer different challenges for Leeds' developing players.

The Vertu Trophy provides academy sides with an opportunity to test their progress against senior opposition, and this fixture should be no exception.

Leeds will need to demonstrate the composure to retain possession, the discipline to defend effectively, and the confidence to impose themselves against players accustomed to the demands of professional football.

Their victory over Barnsley has already shown that the Under-21s can compete in the competition.

The next step is to demonstrate that they can carry that performance into another demanding fixture at Boundary Park.