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Dom Matteo discusses new Leeds signing Diego Llorente

Will Butcher

Fri 25 September 2020 10:59, UK

when asked about new Leeds United signing Diego Llorente, claiming it was a crucial signing that the Whites had to make after shipping seven goals in their opening two Premier League games.

Llorente, 27, has completed an £18million move to Elland Road from Real Sociedad in a move that was confirmed on Thursday. The Spain international has signed a four-year deal and could be in the Leeds squad to face Sheffield United on Sunday.

Leeds conceded four goals to Liverpool in their first outing as Mo Salah netted a hat-trick, while the Whites also allowed Fulham to score three times at Elland Road last time out. While exciting, they need to shore up the defence if they are to survive.

Leeds hero Matteo believes it was crucial that his old side signed a central defender to shore up the gaps at the back and is delighted to have seen the club bring in Llorente – who will rival Robin Koch and Liam Cooper for a place in the starting line-up.

“The defender was important,” . “That’s a good signing. Spanish international, 27, we definitely needed a centre-back. Struijk and Koch two good young players, but we need to be more solid. We strengthened in the right area with the centre-back.”

TBR’s view – Llorente can be crucial in battle against the drop

Whether Leeds survive the drop by the skin of their teeth or follow Sheffield United and finish in the top half of the table – adding Llorente to the side will prove crucial, adding top-flight experience to a side that lack in just that.

Following promotion, only Pablo Hernandez, Helder Costa, Patrick Bamford and Adam Forshaw have experience in the Premier League. Bringing in a player that has played 138 times in La Liga is only going to improve Leeds this season.