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Diego Leon’s first season at Manchester United has been one for learning out of the spotlight, with his performance level leaving him far from first-team football.
Arriving as an 18-year-old from Paraguay, Diego Leon was never going to have a flawless and immediate success at Manchester United.
However, his debut campaign has been more difficult than expected. This has seen Leon struggling during appearances for the U21s, showing he is a distance from being considered first-team ready.
Now, Leon has admitted the three ways in which he must improve to be ready to play in the Premier League.
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Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty ImagesDiego Leon is aware he must improve before getting Manchester United chance
Leon was considered among the finest talents in his age bracket prior to arrival, and his potential remains sky high. However, improvements are needed before he will be trusted in the first team.
Speaking to Paraguayan outlet Vs Sports, Leon explained how he needs to improve.
“I’ve just arrived, I’m eighteen years old. I still need more maturity physically, tactically, and technically. I have to improve many things here.”
Leon added what he had been told by the club this season.
“They tell me to stay calm. Coming from Paraguay to here is a huge difference. To play in the Premier League, you have to be one hundred percent ready.”
Finally, Leon concludes that he sees himself as a first-team player, just not ready to start at the moment.
“I see myself there with them. But to be a regular starter, of course, I still need more,” he acknowledged.
On the pitch, Leon has had to learn fast. But additionally, Leon has had to learn off the pitch after moving halfway around the world.
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Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images Diego Leon has changed his tune on Manchester United career
When he first arrived, Leon expected to be an instant success at United; however, it has been a steep learning curve in the past eight months.
From the start of this season, Leon has been poor at academy level, struggling with the intensity and being a level behind technically.
Leon has shown his physical quality, scoring a wonderful goal for the U21s last year, but these moments of quality have been too rare, which leaves doubt over his readiness.
There was talk of Leon going on loan in January, which has since passed, but we assume that this season has been set aside for him to develop and evolve as a player before heading on loan next season.
The loan would be the making of Leon, so hopefully he gets a move in the summer.
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