Marcelo Bielsa says Leeds United 20-year-old better than he thought

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Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has suggested to Leeds Live that he did not realise how good Ian Poveda is when he first arrived from Manchester City.

Bielsa made the comments following Poveda’s performance for Leeds in their Premier League game against City at Elland Road on Saturday evening.

The 20-year-old – who can operate as a winger or as an attacking midfielder – did not start the match, but the youngster came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

Bielsa told Leeds Live about Poveda: “First of all, he’s a highly technical player. He’s a competitive player and he has physical resources which I haven’t seen before.

“He’s a player in sprints and distance covered has immense values. This player came to Leeds thanks to Victor Orta and when I saw him I did not think he would have the impact he is having or the quality he has shown.”

Leeds United spell

Against City on Saturday evening, Poveda played one key pass, had a pass accuracy of 72.7%, took 23 touches, attempted two dribbles, and made two tackles, according to WhoScored.

The youngster has played 69 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, while during the 2019-20 campaign, he made one start and three substitute appearances in the Championship, according to WhoScored.

As reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Poveda moved to Leeds from City in January 2020.

Poveda is very young, and working with Bielsa and playing in the Premier League at regular intervals will help him grow and develop as a footballer.