⚔️ Diego Llorente, the commander Real Betis were crying out for | OneFootball

Real Betis has found in Diego Llorente the defensive leader they needed to make the definitive leap in LaLiga. The Madrid-born central defender, who arrived this summer with the mission to organize the defense, delivered an outstanding performance last Sunday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

His role was crucial for Manuel Pellegrini's team to achieve a prestigious victory (0-1) against Atlético de Madrid, thus breaking a negative streak at the rojiblanco stronghold.

During the 90 minutes, Llorente was an authentic barrier. The statistics reinforce his dominance: he was the player with the most clearances in the match and maintained a pass accuracy close to 97%.

His ability to anticipate the movements of elite forwards like Griezmann or Julián Álvarez allowed Betis to withstand the final onslaught from Simeone's team, consolidating the team in the top tier of the European standings.

Beyond the data, what stands out most about the current Diego Llorente is his competitive maturity. The defender not only provides physical solidity but has become the extension of Manuel Pellegrini on the pitch, organizing the back four with constant communication. 

Even in the moments of greatest tension, such as when the VAR intervened to disallow an own goal due to an opponent's offside position, Llorente remained calm. That "luck" of the champion is also sought with impeccable positioning.

Back on the national team radar?

His performance has once again sparked the debate about his possible return to the Spanish national team, given that few national central defenders are in such fine form as he is. With a contract until 2028, the verdiblanco club's bet on the former Leeds United and Roma player seems to be one of the great successes of the sports management.

Diego Llorente is no longer just a reliable signing; he is the new boss of Betis's rearguard. His display in Madrid confirms that, with him at this level, the dream of the Champions League for the Benito Villamarín fans is more alive than ever.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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