Leeds United’s interest in Jesus Vazquez certainly added an intriguing subplot to Friday’s friendly meeting between the Premier League club’s U21 side and Spanish giants Valencia on Spanish soil.
And as you might have guessed, given the respective nature of both starting line ups, there was quite the gulf between an almost full-strength Valencia and Leeds’ second string. An eventual 8-0 scoreline confirmed as much; those white-clad youngsters struggling to cope with a Los Che outfit containing former AC Milan winger Samu Castillejo, Roma loanee Justin Kluivert, and ex-Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Paulista.
19-year-old Vazquez, however, was arguably the star of the show.
During 60 minutes of action against a Leeds side who hope to lure him to Elland Road in 2023, the highly-rated teenager mustered no fewer than three assists from his attack-minded left-back role.
Leeds United like Valencia wonderkid Jesus Vazquez
Vazquez’s first assist of the night was his most eye-catching. Controlling a long ball over the top of the Leeds defence, the Spain U19 international fizzed a gorgeous cross into the path of Marcos Andre; a delivery so wonderfully devilish that it rendered Leeds ‘keeper Tristan Van den Heuvel a mere spectator.
El Desmarque, in their post-match report, even gave Vazquez a perfect score of 10/10. Only three-goal Andre received an identical score.
On this evidence, it’s easy to see why Vazquez has so many admirers. According to reports, Leeds United and Inter Milan are just two of the clubs keeping tabs on Vazquez, who’s £34 million release clause highlights just how highly he is regarded behind the scenes at the Mestalla.
Vazquez has found first-team opportunities hard to come by under Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso; the experienced Jose Luis Gaya firmly established as their number one on the left-hand side. But the two-time Champions League finalists have no intention of listening to offers; Vazquez viewed as a key part of their plans on the Castellon coast.
“Jesus Vazquez is part of the team,” says Valencia director Javier Solis. “The coach (Gattuso) has already said that he is very happy with him.”
With Gaya currently out of action due to injury, Vazquez certainly seized a chance to stake his claim on Friday. All the while showing exactly what he could bring to Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United if a deal can be struck.
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