Whelan predicts the one Leeds change for Burnley clash after early team news
Noel Whelan has suggested Diego Llorente could make his first league start of the season for Leeds United against Burnley.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker admitted he was thrilled with the 28-year-old’s comeback performance against Crewe in the League Cup.
Speaking at his press conference (27th August), Marcelo Bielsa confirmed Llorente was “okay” after making his return from injury.
The Spaniard missed the opening two games of the campaign.
He then started and played 45 minutes alongside Pascal Struijk in the 3-0 win over Crewe.
Struijk and Liam Cooper have been Bielsa’s first-choice centre-backs so far this season.
Luke Ayling joined the pair in a back-three in the 2-2 draw with Everton.
However, Whelan suggested Bielsa could axe one player who started against the Toffees to bring Llorente back into the side.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We felt we were going to see him start the game (v Crewe). At least get 45 minutes, maybe an hour out of him.
“He looked sharp, he looked fit, he looked strong and confident on the ball.
“I love the way he just threads balls through into that midfield area, bypassing the forwards.
“A very intelligent player. That that could be one change against Burnley Marcelo Bielsa is looking at.
“At the end of last season, he was the first name on the team sheet.”
Llorente suffered an injury-plagued first season at Elland Road last term.
He was forced to wait until January to make his first league start, having featured as a substitute just once before.
The Spain international made a total of 15 appearances, with 13 consecutive starts between February and May.
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