Marco Silvestri is yet to make a Championship appearance for Leeds United this season, but still received the accolade.
Leeds United’s Marco Silvestri celebrates with team mates
Leeds United fans have been responding on Twitter after Marco Silvestri was included in the EFL Cup Team of the Season that was announced shortly before the final between Southampton and Manchester United.
It has been a frustrating season for the Italian. Despite being the Whites’ number one for his first two seasons at Elland Road, he has had to settle for more of a fringe role this term following the arrival of Rob Green this summer.
The 25-year-old is yet to appear in the Championship this season, but has been selected between the sticks for all of Leeds’ cup games, proving to be an important player for Garry Monk’s side as they reached the quarter-final of the League Cup.
Although there were several high-points along the way – they threatened to upset Liverpool in the last eight before the Reds broke the deadlock inside the final 15 minutes – there is surely no doubt which moment was Silvestri’s best.
On a night when Leeds looked to pay tribute to one of their greatest ever goalkeepers Gary Sprake following his recent death, Silvestri was the hero during the penalty shootout with second tier rivals Norwich as he saved three spot-kicks to help the Whites reach the quarter-final for the first time since 2012.
Leeds’ Marco Silvestri saves from Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum
That performance would have surely been the main factor that led to Silvestri’s inclusion in the team that the EFL announced on their official website.
And while Rob Green’s fantastic penalty save against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday will somewhat overshadow Silvestri’s inclusion, supporters were quick to congratulate the stopper on the achievement, although some were surprised by his inclusion…
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