Saturday evening saw Leeds United secure a place in the fourth round of The FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over League Two side Harrogate Town, with Josuha Guilavogui earning his first Leeds start.
The 34-year-old joined Leeds in October as a free agent after injuries suffered by Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. The seven-time France international boasts a glorious CV including Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid.
Since then, Guilavogui has been used as a late substitute, helping Leeds see out wins. So much so that Guilavogui had actually won all eight of his first matches, becoming the first Leeds player to ever do so.
However, that run came to an end when he was a late substitute in the 3-3 draw against Hull City. The Frenchman will have his fellow countryman Illan Meslier to thank for allowing a two-goal lead to slip.
Josuha Guilavogui posts on Instagram after first Leeds start
The veteran ace was used in central defence alongside Pascal Struijk, contrary to Ethan Ampadu at centre-back and Guilavogui in midfield with Joe Rothwell. A few shaky moments, but he lasted all 90 minutes.
Indeed, Guilavogui completed 90 minutes for the first time since March 2024 in which the versatile player clocked up a full appearance for Mainz during a 0-0 draw with RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga.
He said: “A hard-fought qualification, but we move one step closer in this legendary competition! FA CUP. First 90 minutes in almost 10 months – feels great to be back. Time to keep grinding and pushing forward! Massive thanks for the incredible support and electric atmosphere.”
Josuha Guilavogui’s first start but possibly, his last for Leeds?
Ampadu is back and Gruev came off the bench ahead of schedule after his knee operation. It means Guilavogui has now fallen down the available pecking order, especially given Gruev is defensive-minded.
Given Guilavogui had failed to start for Leeds since his arrival and that both Gruev and Ampadu are back, the chances of him coming into the starting XI would require a number of players to pick up injuries.
Leeds do take on Millwall or Dagenham & Redbridge in the fourth round of The FA Cup and that could possibly see Guilavogui win a second start, especially if the latter win on Monday night.
But should Millwall use their Championship status to their advantage and earn victory, it is unlikely that Guilavogui is given another start. His current deal expires at the end of the season.
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