Leeds United man Diego Llorente continued his run in Roma’s side on Sunday by starting his ninth Serie A game of the season – but Forza Roma criticised him, despite a clean sheet against Lazio.
Llorente, 30, is currently on loan at Roma – having spent the second half of last season with the Italian side. A bit-part player last season, Llorente has been somewhat first choice this time around for Roma.
Indeed, Chris Smalling’s injury has seen Spain international Llorente start nine of Roma’s 12 Serie A matches. He has also started three of Roma’s four Europa League matches, under boss Jose Mourinho.
Continuing to deputise for 33-year-old Smalling, Llorente started again in the middle of a back three against Lazio. He lasted the entire game, while Rasmus Kristensen was subbed on in the 91st minute.
Despite a solid point against a strong Lazio side that are well-balanced under Maurizio Sarri, Roma got a point. Forza Roma only handed £18m Llorente 6.5/10, criticising his marking, saying Smalling is better.
“The ball and chain is good, but in his marking, he loses too many men and is crushed. Again, he’s not Smalling. Puts in what he can, especially in the second half when he often has to put in the last patch.”
Leeds man Llorente criticised despite clean sheet against Lazio
Perhaps a bit harsh, to criticise Llorente despite the clean sheet but it is clear that the Spaniard has not had the same kind of impact on this Roma side as Smalling would. Only his third Serie A clean sheet.
Llorente remains on loan at Roma and is more than likely to become a permanent Roma player, perhaps at the end of the season. But it will also depend on what Leeds will request – or, it could be another loan.
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