Daniel Lewis

Mon 11 December 2023 8:10, UK

South American journalist Luis Fdo Restrepo was delighted to see Leeds United ace Ian Poveda achieve his “dream” of playing for Colombia.

Poveda started the 1-0 friendly win over Venezuela on Sunday (10 December), having been given permission by Leeds to link up with the country of his parents’ birth.

The 23-year-old had previously represented England at various age grades, which former BBC journalist Restrepo believes may have held him back.

“I was very happy to see Ian Poveda’s very good game with the Colombian team,” he posted on his personal Twitter page [11 December].

“That dream came true for the young player who, despite being born in England, deeply loves Colombia, the country of his parents and his entire family.

“It is contradictory that the coach who gave him the opportunity was an Argentinian and not a Colombian like Arturo Reyes, who despised him for having once played with a minor division England team as part of his training…That’s how we are in Colombia.”

Pushing for inclusion

Poveda’s call-up last week came as a surprise given December is not a recognised international window by FIFA.

Leeds were happy for the London-born winger to travel half the way across the world, despite this being the busiest month of the season.

Poveda played 80 minutes of the match in Florida, which was settled by an Andres Ferro own goal late in the first half.

The former Manchester City gem will no doubt take confidence from making his senior international bow, which he can hopefully use to kickstart his season at club level.

Colombia have another friendly to come against Mexico later this week, before Poveda will then jet back to Yorkshire for Leeds’ Christmas programme.

Having featured just six times in the Championship this season, Poveda will now be hoping he is given more chances as we edge towards the second half of the campaign.

In other Leeds United news, Daniel James has shared a fan moment that blew him away in the win at Blackburn Rovers.