Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Diego Llorente when speaking to DAZN – as per Roma Press – after the on-loan Leeds defender was finally given his first start in the League since joining AS Roma on loan back in January.
Llorente, 29, clocked up only his fourth outing for Roma in a 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday. In what was his second start, and his first in the League, he impressed at the back. Italian media were full of praise for his display.
His sudden inclusion in the Roma side comes after Roger Ibanez was shown a red card in Roma’s previous outing, a 1-0 loss to Roma. Against a Sampdoria side that includes Ronaldo Vieira, Llorente lasted the entire 90 minutes.
Speaking after the comfortable 3-0 win, Mourinho was full of praise for Spain star Llorente. In fact, he says that it was Llorente’s performance that was the most-pleasing aspect of the win – praising his work rate during the break.
“Diego Llorente also played very well with Smalling in a four-man defence. He worked really well during the break, and as a manager that’s what really struck me about today: Llorente’s performance,” Mourinho said on Sunday.
Mourinho praises Llorente as on-loan Leeds star gets first League start
It is good news for Leeds, too. With Llorente’s days at Leeds numbered, the club will be hoping Roma sanction the permanent fee in his loan. The Mail say that Roma would have to pay £18m to turn the loan into a permanent deal.
Incredible business, if Leeds could rake in such a fee for a player that turns 30 in the summer. Impressing in what was his first Serie A start will only tempt Roma to sanction such a move. But the likelihood is, he will return to Leeds.
Perhaps, Roma and Leeds may continue talks over a move for Llorente and if a deal is agreed at a lower price, a compromise between say, £10m and £15m, then a deal can be done. A move that clearly, would suit all parties.
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