Spain boss Luis Enrique has been quoted by Football Espana as saying that Leeds defender Diego Llorente is “among the best” players he has to choose from at centre-back – claiming he is as good as Pau Torres.
Llorente, 28, has endured a tricky time since joining Leeds from Real Sociedad in 2020. His first campaign saw Llorente blighted by injury, and the second saw Llorente and Leeds survive relegation on the final day.
Leeds fans are yet to be convinced by their £18million (Athletic) signing – given he has only managed 46 appearances in two seasons. But he ended the season in decent form, getting back into the Spain squad.
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Like Leeds fans, Spain supporters are not fully in agreement over the inclusion of Llorente. He helped Spain keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Switzerland on Thursday night – and Enrique leapt to his defence.
He compared the Leeds man to Villarreal defender Torres – who has a £55million release clause. Torres is being linked with a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham among his admirers.
“I know a lot about football and he comes [to the Spain squad] because he is amongst the best. He has played with continuity. Him as much as Pau [Torres],” Enrique said, as per Football Espana.
Enrique: Leeds defender Llorente ‘among the best’
Leeds are yet to see the best of Llorente – that is a fact. Llorente was excellent for Sociedad during his 88 appearances for the La Liga club. His third season might be season in which he comes good.
Players coming to the Premier League often need a season to adapt. But Llorente did not get that due to numerous injuries – playing just 15 times. Last season, he finally started to get used to England’s top tier.
It might be, then, that Llorente gets better this season. Indeed, Jesse Marsch said towards the end of the season that Llorente has never felt better physically at Leeds.
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