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Marcelo Bielsa has placed incredible faith in Leeds United’s academy this season, despite the Whites fighting for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Leeds only have a thin squad to work with, but that’s Bielsa’s preference, with the Argentine more than happy to blood some of the club’s exciting talent that’s impressing in the under-23s.

Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton are the two at the forefront, but others including Leif Davis and Jordan Stevens have regularly featured in matchday squads.

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Another that’s impressing in the under-23s, but is yet to break into Bielsa’s first-team, is Hugo Diaz.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who also has the ability to play in defence, has been impressing under Carlos Corberan, and registered two fantastic assists in a 2-0 win over Bolton earlier in the week.

Here at FLW, we take a look at three reasons why he will be the next player to break through under Bielsa…

[snack_break title="Ability on the ball"]

Diaz has real class on the ball, with his two assists earlier this week showing how comfortable he is in possession.

He moves the ball with ease and would fit seamlessly into Leeds’ style.

Bielsa prefers players comfortable on the ball and Diaz certainly fits that mould.

[snack_break title="Versatility"]

As mentioned, Leeds’ squad isn’t the biggest, and players have been forced to play out of position on numerous occasions this season.

Diaz can play in holding midfield or at centre-back, just like Kalvin Phillips.

With numbers still reasonably thin at Leeds, it might be worth having Diaz in and around the first-team.

[snack_break title="Progress he’s making"]

Ultimately, Bielsa won’t play Diaz if he isn’t progressing in the 23s – but that’s exactly what the Spaniard is doing.

The victory against Bolton showed his ability as a deep-lying playmaker and his performance on the whole was one of real maturity.

Diaz is getting to the age now where first-team opportunities need to come.

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