The goalkeeper inspired Leeds to the next round of the competition with a stunning performance in the penalty shootout.
It was only fitting that Marco Silvestri should prove to be the hero on a night where Leeds United looked to pay tribute to one of the best goalkeepers in their history.
The EFL Cup clash with Norwich City was the club’s first game at Elland Road since it was announced that Gary Sprake had passed away at the age of 71.
Ellland Road observed a minute’s applause for former Leeds’ player Gary Sprake who passed away last week
The Welshman spent the majority of his playing career with the Whites, and was a stalwart of the side for the majority of the golden period in the club’s history.
Regardless of what happened following Sprake’s departure, there is no doubt that he deserved the tribute of a minute’s applause before the game. But perhaps the greater tribute was the performance of a current United stopper that may have, albeit briefly, evoked memories of what made Sprake so special.
Leeds’ golden team: Sprake (central row, third from right)
While Silvestri’s display during the 120 minutes of action was nothing to shout about, the subsequent penalty shootout allowed the Italian to take centre-stage.
He saved three of the Canaries’ spot-kicks to allow Ronaldo Vieira to score the penalty that sent Leeds through to the quarter-final.
And while it would be completely wrong to suggest that the 25-year-old is at all near the levels that Sprake reached during his career, it is perhaps fair to draw some parallels between their respective games.
Leeds United’s Marco Silvestri celebrates with team mates after the penalty shootout
Both men are, unfortunately, synonymous with making costly mistakes. The biggest criticism of Silvestri has been centred around his distribution, but there is perhaps no piece of poor distribution more famous than Sprake’s own goal against Liverpool in 1967 when he managed to throw the ball into his own net.
But as Sprake showed on so many occasions throughout his decade as Leeds’ number one, he was capable of match-winning performances that helped the Peacocks enjoy so much success.
Likewise, for all his mistakes, Silvestri has saved Leeds on numerous occasions since joining the club.
And on a night when the club looked to remember one of its greats, the Italian performed some heroics that will surely not be forgotten.
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