Leeds United journalist Beren Cross has provided an update on the situation surrounding Diego Llorente.
Leeds were once again down to the bare bones when it came to defenders in midweek, with Luke Ayling, who is normally deployed as a right-back, having to fill in at centre-back as they fell to a 6-0 defeat.
It’s been a problem that has plagued Leeds all season long, and has played a big part in their descent towards the bottom of the table in the Premier League.
The only reason they were forced to tinker with the side at Anfield was that Llorente is reported to have picked up a hamstring problem that forced him to be taken off at half-time in their recent game against Manchester United.
Leeds are set for another game this coming weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, and according to Cross, who was speaking on the latest edition of the Blue, White and Yellow podcast, it doesn’t appear to be that serious of a problem and he is expected to play in the game on Saturday.
He said: “I’ve been told that Llorente’s not serious and has got every chance of playing on Saturday, so I would not be surprised if he comes back into the side given he is one of Bielsa’s favourites.”
TIF Thoughts on Beren Cross’ comments about Diego Llorente at Leeds United…
Is Diego Llorente Leeds best defender?
Yes
No
This should come as a major boost for the Leeds United side, because not only will it be good to have a central defender available to play in central defence, but Llorente does bring that extra something to the side that they are desperately going to need – and that’s an ability to control the ball.
He currently averages 52.1 passes per game, which is the fourth-most of any player in the Leeds United squad, and has a pass completion rate of 81%. That’s on top of ranking joint-fourth in terms of interceptions with 1.4 and fourth in clearances with 2.5 (via WhoScored).
So not only will he have a role in trying to keep the ball out of the net, but also keeping it away from Tottenham Hotspur – both duties that could play a critical role in deciding the outcome of the game.
In other news: ‘Surprised’ – BBC pundit claims Leeds will try sign £20m star ‘if they stay up’