Leeds United’s U21 coach Michal Pujdak said – as per the YEP – new signing Diogo Monteiro has been putting the graft in behind the scenes at Elland Road since joining in January – both on the training ground, and off of it.
Monteiro, 18, was one of four signings to arrive at Elland Road in January – alongside more senior arrivals of Max Wober, Georgie Rutter and Weston McKennie. He has since impressed in the U21 side, and got on the senior bench.
He has helped the 21’s secure seven points from a possible nine, as they continue to push towards promotion back to the top tier of PL2 football. Monteiro has also been on the bench in three of the last four Premier League games.
Following Monday’s 3-0 win over Derby, in which Monteiro played at right-back instead of his more-natural centre-back, Pujdak raved about the new addition. He shared what the “fantastic” Monteiro has been doing off the pitch.
“Fantastic professional, he’s still young, very young. People forget how young he is. He’s comfortable in possession of the ball and at the training ground he’s a top, top professional; he wants to do extras,” Pujdak said on Monteiro.
“He wants to develop all aspects of his game, he wants to do video sessions, wants to do extra technical practices and I think he will be good. He’s got big potential. Very professional, defensively solid,’ Pujdak continued.
Pujdak: New Leeds signing Monteiro has been grafting behind the scenes
The signs surrounding Monteiro are very good. Given he is already in the first team, training with the senior squad and on the bench, you would expect that it is only a matter of time before a debut. Maybe, not in a relegation scrap.
But, if injuries go his way, then it is clear that Leeds can rely on the Portuguese talent. Especially, given his ability to be able to play on the right of the defence. His work behind the scenes will gain admiration among management.
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