‘Really good player’ – Ian Poveda ‘excited’ by rarely-seen Leeds signing who has ‘a lot to give’
Leeds United star Ian Poveda has been talking to BBC Radio Leeds about his progress this season and has singled out summer signing Diego Llorente for special praise.
Marcelo Bielsa is showing more trust in the 20-year-old this term, and Poveda revealed what it has been like to work under the Argentine.
The winger is in somewhat of a privileged position in the squad because of his Spanish speaking ability, which has been useful in welcoming new signings.
Llorente and Rodrigo are two such players and although they have had varied impacts on the team so far, Poveda is confident that the former has a lot to offer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds (09:00), Poveda said:
“Everyone gets on with everyone. I’ll speak to them in Spanish or in English.
“Diego (Llorente) has been settling in quite well, he’s been unlucky with the injuries but you can’t really predict that.
“But it’s good he’s a really good player and we’re excited by what he has to offer us.
“We know we trust in him, we know he has a lot to give us.”
More to come
Leeds signed four new first-team players in a very successful summer transfer window but some have settled quicker than others.
Raphinha and Rodrigo have added attacking flair and helped take the Whites to the next level, with their pace and passing ability on the counter-attack offering a different dimension.
On the other hand, defenders Robin Koch and Llorente have not had much luck.
Both have suffered injuries – Koch is out until the Spring and Llorente has only made one appearance so far.
Llorente should be available for selection again soon and Leeds fans are expecting big things from him – Poveda’s verdict will only increase this.
A transfer fee of £18million sets high expectations of the centre-back, and his experience with Spain and Real Sociedad means he should be effective in the top-flight.
Indeed, on his debut against Chelsea, Llorente won five tackles and four aerial duels, according to WhoScored.
That shows promise and if the 27-year-old can come in and provide some much-needed steel to a defence that has conceded 33 goals in 17 league games, then Poveda’s words will prove accurate.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton reveals what Garry Monk told him about Kalvin Phillips.