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Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images
Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

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Leeds fans laud Alfonso Pedraza for Europa League win

Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris

A number of Leeds United fans have taken to Twitter to laud Alfonso Pedraza after he became a Europa League winner on Wednesday – with some suggesting that he would be perfect for Marcelo Bielsa’s ranks.

Pedraza helped Villarreal to victory over Manchester United in Gdansk. He was taken off after 88 minutes with Unai Emery’s men going on to win on penalties.

The 25-year-old did not always have the easiest evening against the Premier League side.

There were occasions when he seemed to struggle with the pace of Mason Greenwood. But he looked extremely impressive before being replaced by former Liverpool man Alberto Moreno.

Former Leeds loanee Alfonso Pedraza celebrates Europa League win
Photo by Michael Sohn – Pool/Getty Images

Of course, Pedraza’s involvement gave Leeds fans an additional reason to support the Spanish side in Poland.

The wide-man spent several months on loan at Elland Road earlier in his career. Unfortunately, Leeds were unable to keep him after falling short in the promotion race.

He had shown some glimpses of real quality while in Yorkshire. He marked his debut with some bright runs and one thunderous strike against Huddersfield.

And he scored a superb goal to secure a 3-1 victory away at Birmingham City.

However, he seemed to struggle to force his way into Garry Monk’s plans on a consistent basis.

Had Leeds got themselves across the line, the Whites would have paid £8.5 million to make his move permanent (via ).

Alfonso Pedraza, while on loan at Leeds
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

But the side would finish seventh in the Championship. And after further loan spells with Alaves and Real Betis, Pedraza is now playing regularly for the Yellow Submarine.

Some Leeds fans want Pedraza return after Europa League win

There was a lot of pride amongst Leeds fans on Wednesday as Pedraza played his part in Villarreal’s Europa League win.

But there were also a handful of supporters who suggested that they would love to see Victor Orta pursue a move for the left-back.

Leeds look set to need a new full-back on that side of the pitch in the coming months.

Gjanni Alioski is out of contract at the end of the campaign. And Stuart Dallas – who featured in that position for much of the season – shone in central midfield as the year went on.

Their plans may depend on whether Alioski is planning to stay at Elland Road.

It was interesting that there was no mention of the North Macedonia star when Leeds announced that Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi were leaving last week.

But if Alioski does leave, some would like to see Leeds make a bid for Pedraza.

‘Leeds, Please sign Alfonso Pedraza’

Admittedly, luring him away would not be easy with Villarreal now heading for next season’s Champions League.

But it is interesting that Emery’s men finished their La Liga campaign seventh on 58 points.

Leeds, on the other hand, finished two places lower in the Premier League, but with one additional point.

And with Bielsa’s men still some way from realising their full potential, it would be no surprise if they managed to produce some coups in the market this summer.

Some would seemingly like Pedraza to be one of those the club pursue…