Leeds United scripted a sensational comeback this weekend against Millwall and strengthened their hold in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League after years of anguish, pain and despair. However, their U23 side secured a stunning victory too and sealed a place in the semis of Premier League Cup defeating Burnley 3-1 on the road.
Carlos Corberan’s side exhibited sheer dominance over the Clarets and their skipper Hugo Diaz received massive applauds from the supporters for his colossal presence in the heart of Leeds United’s backline. The Spaniard not only marshalled his goal stupendously but also scored the Whites’ third to ensure a win. His composure and commitment were exemplary, and the player seemed to have done enough to stake a claim in Marcelo Bielsa’s future plannings.
Onto the semi-finals of Premier League Cup!! #MOT ??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/uqIElSXnwK
— Hugo Díaz Rodríguez (@hugodiazrg) March 29, 2019
The 22-year-old former Deportivo La Coruna prodigy joined the West Yorkshire giants back in the summer of 2017. Although a part of their youth set-up week in week out, Diaz only had one substitute senior appearance towards the closure of the previous term during Paul Heckingbottom’s short stint.
The player, meanwhile, was sent back to the reserves following Bielsa’s appointment and only managed a place among the unused substitutes during their January defeat to QPR in a FA Cup third round fixture. At 22, the clock is ticking for the youngster who must be longing for senior football to obtain the next career step.
Bielsa is known for promoting the academy prospects, handing them minutes to build confidence to secure first-team football. He has enough experience at the back in the form of Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi. However, the youngster should also be appropriately observed.
Aapo Halme, 20, was impressive in a few appearances as the gaffer opted to field the Finnish youngster during a defensive crisis. This has put Diaz further down the pecking order and the next season could be make-or-break for him. While the player would be keen on leaving a mark during the pre-season, the veteran Argentine must be monitoring all his options closely irrespective of this season’s outcome.
It would be uphill for the youngster to claim a first-team slot immediately. Yet he should keep his patience for at least one more campaign to have a clear understanding where his future lies.
