Lewis Bate
Lewis Michael Bate (born 28 October 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and captains EFL League One club Stockport County. Early lifeBorn in London, Bate started his career with local Sidcup-based side Foots Cray Lions, before joining Chelsea at under-8 level.[4][5] He has listed Chelsea and Liverpool legends Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard as players he looked up to as a child.[4][6] Club careerChelseaAfter playing a key role for Chelsea's under-18 and under-23 sides, Bate was included on the bench for the Chelsea first team three times.[7] However, he did not feature for the first team, and was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in 2021, having rejected a contract offer with The Blues.[8][9] Leeds UnitedOn 21 July 2021, Leeds United announced the signing of Bate on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be £1.5 million.[5][10][11] Since signing, Bate has been tipped to be fast-tracked into the first team squad after impressing at under-23 level.[12] He scored his first goal for Leeds under-23s on 4 November 2021 in a 5–3 EFL Trophy loss to Salford City.[13] Bate made his senior debut for Leeds United on 9 January 2022 in the starting line-up for the 2–0 FA Cup third round defeat to West Ham United.[14] He made his Premier League debut the following week, also at West Ham, when he came on as a first half replacement for Adam Forshaw, but was taken off midway through the second half, with Leeds 3–2 ahead, in a tactical substitution for Rodrigo.[15][16] Bate was released by Leeds in June 2024 at the conclusion of his contract.[17] Oxford United (loan)On 4 August 2022, Bate joined Oxford United of League One on loan for the duration of the 2022–23 season.[18] He suffered a hand injury in a game against Derby County on 11 March 2023 and, apart from a brief substitute appearance in the following game,[19] was not expected to make further appearances.[20] Before his injury he had made 26 league appearances, scoring once.[21] Milton Keynes Dons (loan)On 19 January 2024, Bate joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons until the end of the 2023–24 season.[22] Stockport CountyOn 20 June 2024 it was announced that Lewis had signed a three-year contract with Stockport County.[23] He was handed the captain's armband ahead of the 2024–25 season.[24] International careerBate has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-20 level.[2] He scored his first goal for the England under-20s in a 1–1 draw with Italy.[25] Style of playA strong passer and dribbler, while also being good in a tackle, Bate can play in numerous midfield roles.[26] He has been described as strong both defensively and going forward, and has been compared to former Netherlands international footballer Clarence Seedorf for his ability to control play.[6] Career statistics
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