There is a reason why the likes of Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and particularly Gianni Alioski were held in such high regard by the supporters of Leeds United.
The trio certainly weren’t the most technically gifted players at Elland Road. Not when the likes of Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo Moreno were calling West Yorkshire home.
But what Dallas, Ayling and Alioski perhaps lacked in velvet-toed finesse, they more than made up for with pure effort and desire.
At Leeds United, it doesn’t matter how naturally gifted you are. If you’re not willing to sacrifice blood, sweat and tears for the cause, then you can give up any hopes you may have about securing ‘fan favourite’ status.
So the comments Diego Luna gave to the American media this week, ahead of Real Salt Lake’s clash with Costa Rican outfit Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions League, suggest that, for a reported £7 million, Daniel Farke can land a player almost destined to become a modern day Elland Road cult hero worthy of place alongside Dallas, Ayling and Alioski in the history books.
According to reports, Leeds explored a deal for USA international Diego Luna around the turn of the year.
The California-born attacking midfielder was named Major League Soccer’s Young Player of the Year for 2024 after providing nine goals and eight assists across the campaign, forcing his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT plans as a result.
But, as he himself is at pains to point out, there is far more to Diego Luna’s game than fierce finishing and a scalpel-like pass.
Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna sounds perfect for Leeds United
“The determination, the grit, the attitude to push through things and come out with something, it does explain the type of person I am and the type of player I am,” Luna says, expressing his desire to become ‘a leader off the field’ at the age of just 21.
“I want another level. There is more to me that I need to show and put out there. For me, it’s double-digit goals, double-digit assists, and just being that guy.
“[But I’m also aiming to] work defensively, have my GPS numbers be the top, running more, working more, on and off the ball. Offensive and defence. That is going to showcase the player I am and allow the team to see me as this leader.
“I can be this attacking ‘ten’ who is scoring goals. But I will also make sure I am doing the work on both sides as well.”
USA ace Diego Luna has shades of Brenden Aaronson
Should Leeds step up their interest – one of various number tens under consideration alongside Alvyn Sanches and Emi Buendia while Eduard Spertsyan opened the door to Elland Road last week – Diego Luna will find himself in direct competition with compatriot Brenden Aaronson.
He may still have his critics – despite an impressive tally of eight goals this season – but Aaronson remains a crucial part of Farke’s game plan largely thanks to his ‘unbelievable’ work ethic.
With Diego Luna seemingly a character cut from similar cloth, it’s not a stretch to suggest that it wasn’t just the youngster’s creative talents which caught Leeds United’s eye.
“I’m going to do what I need to do on the field and more,” Luna adds. “I’m going to run for my teammates. Being this ‘number ten’ player that I am, with this stigma of not defending, this is not going to be me. I’m going to make sure the whole team knows that.
“I will to score goals but I’m also going to do the defensive work. And you better have my back, you better be there when I’m pressing, you better run for me when I’m running for you.
“That’s the type of player that I want to be, and the leader that I want to be.”
Rarely has one player ever sounded so well-suited to a fanbase like Leeds United’s.
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