Leeds boss Heckingbottom comments give glimpse into Hugo Diaz’s potential

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Hugo Diaz made his debut for Leeds United against Preston North End and could start against Aston Villa.

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom has revealed to The Yorkshire Evening Post that he included Hugo Diaz in the matchday squad against Preston North End after watching him train with the first team just once.

Diaz made his debut for Leeds in the Championship game against Preston away from home at Deepdale on Tuesday evening.

The 21-year-old central defender came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, as the West Yorkshire outfit lost 3-1.

Leeds head coach Heckingbottom has admitted that he threw in Diaz after just one training session with the first team, which suggests just highly he rates the youngster and underlines the Spaniard’s potential.

Heckingbottom told The Yorkshire Evening Post about Diaz: “Hugo was literally thrown in at the deep end because when we were getting a little bit short, as you have seen with lots of younger players, we have tried to have them training with us a bit before to have a look at them, see how they fit in and just get that transition as easy as possible for them if they are thrown in.

“So when we were short in that position we brought Paudie up but then all of a sudden with more injuries Hugo didn’t really have time and he was just thrown straight into training one day, brought in the squad, and on the bench because I wanted cover at centre-back.”

Start against Aston Villa?

Leeds have injury concerns at the back ahead of this evening’s match against Aston Villa away from home at Villa Park in the Championship.

There is a very good chance that Diaz could start for the Whites against Steve Bruce’s side, and if he does, then fans should be confident that the youngster will put in a very good shift and do his best.