Why Manchester United's signing of "fourth best U18 player' is exciting

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have signed talented left-back Diego Leon.

Leon will join United officially next summer when he turns 18, implying that he will end the current season with his current club Cerro Porteno.

The Paraguayan youngster is one of the best talents in the world, and United are lucky to sign him ahead of other clubs/

According to CIES Football Observatory, he is the fourth-best U18 player in the world. Chelsea’s Kendry Paez and Estavo Willian and River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono are ahead of him.

He broke into Cerro Porteno’s first team last season due to the injuries. His former coach, Manolo Jiménez, promoted him from the youth ranks.

He scored on his debut, getting the only goal in Cerro Porteno’s 1-0 win over Sportivo Ameliano. He has been sensational for the club since then.

Leon is known for his blistering pace, making it easy for him to cover the pitch. He ranked third for most progressive runs and third for most contact in the box last term.

The 17-year-old also likes to whip in crosses into the penalty area, ranking first for crosses into the box this season.

The young defender idolises former Real Madrid star Marcelo and has styled his game on him.

Despite his tender age, he is not afraid to get involved in duels, ranking in the 88th percentile of defensive duels in the Paraguay Primera Division.

He needs to improve his decision-making to become a top player, which is expected to come as he matures.

Manager Ruben Amorim has struggled to play a natural left wing-back since his arrival.

Leon may not be the ready-made solution, but he could become a key player under the Amorim in the future.

Stats from marca.com, DataMB and CIES Football Observatory.

Article written by Henry Thornton .