Such a massive two years he's had. He was never a bad player contrary to belief in some quarters, but he's really developed in a genuine world class player. 24 years of age, can still improve further but my god what a player. I said after the game that was one of the best individual performances from a player that I've ever seen, and after watching it back again I can say that with even more confidence than I did earlier.
As the chalkboards prove, and as the thousands watching can also prove is that he won every single fucking tackle. Won near enough every header and worked hard from the first whistle to the last. He had a pass completion statisitc that Xabi would be proud of. He set up a couple of attacks and didn't let anything get past him. He linked very very will with Adam in a partnership that is getting better each week. I just don't know what more to say about him, I expect a big game each week from him now, he sets his standards that high and 9 times out of ten he will repay that faith.
He's such a grounded lad as well, got some stick and still gets some stick from the odd nobhead but he's just used that to fuel his desire to make it here. He's the first name on the teamsheet every single week for me along with Pepe and Suarez.
Future captain of this club? Well Pepe and Agger might have a few words to say about that but you could not argue for one second if this lad got it. Long may it continue Mr Leiva.
