Largie Ramazani needed less than half an hour on his full Leeds United debut to show exactly why there was such excitement when the Belgian moved to Elland Road in the summer.
With Manor Solomon struggling with a back injury, Daniel Farke turned to fellow summer signing Largie Ramazani to come in for the trip to Cardiff City. Of course, plenty of the pressure was on Leeds with the Bluebirds sat at the bottom of the table.
It was imperative that Leeds produced a good performance after a concerning showing in the defeat to Burnley last week. Ramazani went on a couple of bright runs when he came on against the Clarets, but Saturday marked a fantastic opportunity to show what he could really do.
The 23-year-old initially came in for some ridicule from the Cardiff fans after slipping when there was a good opening for the visitors in the Welsh capital. Moments later however, Ramazani would show just how much quality he has to give Leeds the lead.
Tony Dorigo lauds Largie Ramazani after first Leeds United goal
The youngster was able to run through on goal before beating Jak Alnwick with a cool finish into the corner of the net. He then produced a spectacular celebration to mark his first Leeds goal.
And speaking on LUTV (broadcast on 21/9; 15:33), Tony Dorigo suggested that he was just as impressed by the run leading up to the goal as he was the finish – or the somersaults.
“Excellent goal, I’ve just done my back in watching that celebration. What a brilliant finish it was, forget that slip, that’s how you show them what you can do,” he said.
“Once he was beyond the backline of Cardiff, only one thing was ever going to happen, takes it away really well, as you can see, from the defender. It’s a brilliant touch right before he then shoots. This one here, gets away and now takes it onto his left-hand side, defender goes right and the finish is superb as well, plenty of composure, knows where the goal is, tucks it away well.”
Another game-changer in Daniel Farke’s squad
Solomon arguably left big shoes to fill after his outstanding debut against Hull. The Tottenham loanee was also one of Leeds’ brighter players on a disappointing day against Burnley. So it seemed to be a big blow to lose him to injury.
But Ramazani is clearly extremely talented, having made more than 60 appearances in La Liga in his career. So there was plenty of excitement when he got the chance to come into the side.
Leeds have seen a couple of players miss glorious chances already this season, most notably, Mateo Joseph when he ran through against Burnley last week. So there would have been a few nerves when Ramazani ran at goal on Saturday.
But there appears to be something special about the summer signing.
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