Crewe Alexandra boss Alex Morris was impressed by EFL Trophy opponents Leeds United.
The two squared off on Tuesday evening, with Crewe managing to come out on top in a penalty shootout after playing out a 0-0 draw.
"Usually these games are for an U21s side to gain positive experience of playing against senior pros, but this was the other way around," said Morris.
"We had a really young team, a couple made their debuts, and they put out the strongest U21s team I've ever seen fielded in this competition. It was full of players who have played at the top level and internationally, so the experience was there for us to have, and the outcome was positive.
"If we'd have gone toe-to-toe with them and tried to play the football they played, we'd have got a resounding beating. Their team could probably compete in the low-end Championship, top-end League One. We defended magnificently and stuck to the plan.
"The boys were rewarded by winning the tie on penalties – even though it might have been the worst shootout I've ever seen! I've never seen so many miss the target before. But Dave has an excellent record of saving them, and he stopped the ones he had to, and pleased the players got their reward for their effort and endeavour."
