Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has suggested to Leeds Live that Diego Llorente could be deployed as a midfielder.
The Premier League club signed the Spain international central defender from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window.
Llorente is a centre-back by trade, but Bielsa has suggested that the 27-year-old could play in midfield.
The Argentine made the comments while explaning why he did not sign another midfielder after a potential deal for Michael Cuisance broke down, as reported by Leeds Live.
The Leeds boss has also expressed his sadness at the departure of Barry Douglas.
The Scottish left-back joined Blackburn Rovers on loan from Leeds on summer transfer deadline day.
Bielsa told Leeds Live: “Hernandez, Roberts, Rodrigo are options as attacking midfielders. Defensive midfielders we have Phillips, Pascal and Koch. Llorente eventually too. At eight we have Klich, Dallas, Shackleton and Alioski. The options.”
The Leeds boss added about Douglas: “It makes me very sad he has left our team because during the two years he has been with us he has made a significant contribution. He’s an impeccable professional. He’s a very respected member within the team.”
Becoming more versatile
Llorente is a very good centre-back who has played six times for Spain and could be part of their squad for the European Championship next summer.
The centre-back would only become a better footballer if he plays as a midfielder from time to time.
Bielsa has transformed Stuart Dallas from a winger to a first-choice left-back, while midfielder Kalvin Phillips has learned how to play in defence under the Argentine.
Llorente has played as a defensive midfielder before, but he is better as a centre-back, his main position.
Perhaps under Bielsa, the Spaniard could become as good in midfield as he is in defence.
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