diego leon

Diego Leon: Man United’s new wonderkid

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Could Manchester United have the next Roberto Carlos on their hands?

Now you’re probably thinking, who on earth is this guy, and if he’s the next Roberto Carlos, then why haven’t I heard of him yet?

Well, his name is Diego León and he’s a 17-year-old Paraguayan left back, who only made his professional debut in September.

Just five months ago.

In this time he’s caught the attention of two of England’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal and United circulating around him.

But the Red Devils came out the victors, stealing the exciting talent away from The Gunners.

Shades of 2003 with United beating Arsenal to the signing of an unknown youngster called Cristiano Ronaldo…

León has been brought in for up to £4.2m with add-ons.

After Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury woes and Tyrell Malacia struggling for form after his 18 month lay-off, could León become United’s future left back?

What is Diego León’s background?

León was born and raised in Paraguay. He plays for Club Cerro Porteño and has been there since the U14s. They compete in the top division of Paraguayan football.

But this opportunity didn’t come easy.

León’s family couldn’t afford to buy him a football and so he would use a piece of cloth, roll it up and kick that around.

His determination to play football didn’t end there though.

When speaking about him, León’s mother said how he dreamed of playing for Cerro.

She said: “Someday I’m going to play for Cerro’ he always told me, and now he’s keeping his promise.”

This season León has broken through into the first team and made 19 league appearances, scoring twice.

He’s not had many games, but in the one’s he’s had, León has made a huge impact.

How good is Diego León?

As he’s only 17 and is playing in Paraguay, it’ll take León some time to adapt and develop into a player made for the first team.

But that isn’t to say that he hasn’t got great potential.

What immediately catches the eye is his speed and ability to drive at defenders.

He fits in the modern fullback category, always looking to go forward. He especially likes to go wide, attacking the by-line and attempting to put a cross in. This isn’t to say he can’t defend though, as he is defensively solid, despite his small and lean profile.

León is a raw talent and someone who’ll have to work a lot in areas to fit Premier League football but he has some great qualities which could make him a top fullback.

When would Diego León be ready for the first team?

It’s impossible to say exactly when León would be first team level, as he’s so young and playing in a league with a completely different range of speed, physicality and technical ability but with his talent it could be sooner then you’d think.

Due to transfer rules, he can’t join the club till after he turns 18 in April and then it’ll probably take him at least a couple years to adapt and develop.

So we could see León lining up in a red shirt in just a few seasons time.

While he’s got a long journey ahead of him if he’s to reach Roberto Carlos’ level, he could certainly become a top player in no time.