Leeds United must consider a recall for Oriol Rey.
Oriol Rey’s situation at Leeds United is one of the most disappointing of Marcelo Bielsa’s reign.
Rey was Leeds’ standout player at under-23 level last season, demonstrating an ability to play in both defence and midfield.
A former player in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before he joined Leeds in 2017, Rey should have been ideal for Marcelo Bielsa’s fluid and at times interchangeable system.
He made the bench for Leeds against Swansea in August, before being sent out on loan to Spanish second division side UB Conquense.
After a slow start in Spain, Rey has featured regularly. He has played in every one of Conquense’s last 10 games and has played all 90 minutes of the last four.
Rey would not have been a regular starter for Leeds, but he could have provided useful cover.
At Conquense, he has played in three different positions already this season.
Rey has played in central-midfield, at centre-back, and in two of the last three games he has filled in at left-back.
With Leeds’ defensive injury problems, Rey would have been a useful option for Marcelo Bielsa to have available.
He signed a new contract at Leeds this summer until 2020, so he could come back and challenge next season with regular competitive football under his belt.
Leeds might want to consider bringing him back early, recalling him in January to help their promotion bid and provide much needed cover.
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