Leeds fans react as Diego Llorente shines for club’s Under-23 side in Monday win

Leeds United’s Under-23 side clocked up another win on Monday afternoon as the Whites continue to sit at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 – and supporters have discussed Diego Llorente’s performance.

Mark Jackson named an incredibly strong Leeds side that included first-team stars including 27-year-old Llorente, Leif Davis, Kalvin Phillips, Ian Poveda, Helder Costa and Tyler Roberts. Llorente was a substitute against Brighton.

Although it was against Stoke City’s reserves, Llorente showed Leeds fans what he could do – having only previously managed one senior outing for the club. He lasted 45 minutes, along with Phillips and Roberts.

(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Indeed, the Spain international scored the only goal of the game. A perfect cross from England star Phillips allowed Llorente to head the ball back from where it came – nestling in the bottom corner of the Stoke net.

He was solid in his defending, controlling in the air and technically excellent on the deck. At one point, Llorente stepped out of defence, won the ball and struck a delightful effort from 30 yards on the half-volley.

It only narrowly whistled over the bar. Leeds fans have reacted on Twitter to Llorente’s performance and many are excited at the prospect of seeing the former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad star in the senior side.

Llorente breezed through that first half, his class evident. Excited to see him get a proper go in the first team #lufc

— Kris Hilliam (@FootyAnalyKris) January 18, 2021

Llorente looks proper tasty! #lufc

— ste mcquillan (@SteLUFC98) January 18, 2021

Llorente looks very calm & confident on the ball. A lot like Phillips does #MOT

— 𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙤 (@Jacko__LUFC) January 18, 2021

Llorente looks class, despite not playing for so long. If he can stay fit, could be just what we need this season. But still, that CM for me, all important in Jan. #lufc

— Ben (@benji_coops) January 18, 2021

I genuinely think that Llorente would be ahead of Koch at CDM. #lufc

— Tommy (@tommy_lufc) January 18, 2021

Diego Llorente (aka Roy of the Rovers) can’t do much more to impress after that 1st half. Looked like a Spanish International playing against some young lads (what was happening). Very impressive. #lufc

— PJH LUFC (@pistol1603) January 18, 2021

Llorente looking like a man on a mission. Great to see #lufc

— Jordan (@itsjordanbarrow) January 18, 2021