By Will Butcher
Marco Silvestri has revealed that his selection in the EFL Cup Team of the Year for Leeds is down to his “resilience”.
The 25-year-old has made just six appearances for Garry Monk’s side this season, all of them in cup competitions as he has been demoted to back-up to first-choice stopper Rob Green in the Championship.
The EFL Cup’s official Twitter account posted their team of the tournament on Twitter following Manchester United’s triumph on Sunday.
Silvestri was named as the goalkeeper and lined up alongside the likes of Ander Herrera, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge.
???? TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT ????
A select XI from the 2017 #EFLCup, in association with @EASPORTSFIFA >> https://t.co/mOELhAbyoL. pic.twitter.com/fcjhOKgbh9
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) February 26, 2017
Reacting on his personal Instagram account, Silvestri believes his ability to overcome his struggles was the secret behind his eyecatching form as Leeds reached the quarter finals against Liverpool.
Silvestri starred for the Yorkshire giants as Monk opted to use him as his goalkeeper for the cup competitions, most notably shining in Leeds’ enthralling penalty-shootout win against Norwich.
He also featured in the penalty shootout against League One outfit Fleetwood, as well as the wins against Blackburn and Luton Town.
The former Cagliari goalkeeper saved three of Norwich’s penalties against Steven Naismith, Robbie Brady and Alex Pritchard to send his side through after a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
However, Leeds’ number 12 is unlikely to feature for the rest of the season unless ex-England international Green picks up an injury or suspension.
The former West Ham stopper has been in tremendous form between the sticks for Monk’s promotion-chasing side, and is expected to remain Monk’s first choice for the rest of the season.
Silvestri is expected to resume his place on the substitutes’ bench on Friday night, as Leeds travel south to face Birmingham City at St. Andrews’ Stadium.
In other Leeds news, Monk has given his verdict on deadline-day signings Modou Barrow and Alfonso Pedraza.
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