Manchester United starlet Diego Leon has only arrived at the club after turning 18 and he’s already earned his first-ever call-up to the senior Paraguay squad.
It’s a proud moment whenever a professional receives their first call-up for the senior international stage.
Diego Leon is only months into his Manchester United career, yet the South American starlet was called up to the Paraguay squad for the first time last week.
As far as United fans are concerned, they’ve only seen glimpses of Leon in pre-season and in a recent under-21 match.
Still, it’s encouraging to see another United prospect is on the cusp of becoming a senior international.
Leon is one of 18 United players on international duty this month.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesMan Utd stance on Diego Leon’s Paraguay call-up
Given that Leon has yet to debut for United’s first team, it may not come as a surprise to those in Paraguay that the young left wing-back has been selected.
Leon impressed at Cerro Porteno to warrant United’s interest; therefore, he will be known to Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro and his staff.
Now, they will get a chance to see him up close before deciding if he’s ready to make his senior international debut, which would be another huge step in his professional career.
United In Focus understands, following a conversation with Graeme Bailey, that United are happy to see Leon’s progress being rewarded.
The coaching staff are ‘very happy’ with how he has settled, given the huge change in lifestyle for him, having moved to a different continent at a young age.
United believe Paraguay also have high hopes for Leon and they are eager to check on him, hence the call-up. The Red Devils feel it’s a boost for the young prospect.
Overall, United are very happy with their new signing’s progress.
Diego Leon one of two Premier League players in Paraguay squad
Although Leon has yet to feature in the Premier League, he is on a short list of Paraguayan talent at clubs in the English top flight.
The only other player at a Premier League club is Sunderland’s Omar Alderete.
That may suggest why Paraguay want to fast-track talent into the senior set up and maybe try to acclimatise Leon with some experience before next summer’s World Cup.
Paraguay already have a World Cup spot secured.