Spanish defender Diego Llorente's inclusion in the matchday squad at Chelsea sprung something of a surprise given that Marcelo Bielsa had admitted during the week he would need under-23 minutes before making his senior bow.
That did not take into account the possibility of Llorente having to replace Robin Koch just minutes into the clash with Chelsea, though. Sky Sports' coverage cut to a dejected Koch, sat on the pitch, before switching to a close-up of Llorente being readied for action, much to the surprise of Leeds supporters.
The former Real Sociedad man has been protected by the club's medical and coaching staff following an injury picked up on international duty a few months ago. This had kept him out of action for Leeds until he was called upon against Chelsea, where fans were given the first glimpses of what the Spaniard is all about.
In an entertaining, highly-demanding game Llorente carried himself well, and aside from a wayward pass in the first-half, rarely put a foot wrong.
Understandably there was some rust as he made his first appearance at any level since September, but Koch's absence for the 82 minutes Llorente played was not felt too greatly.
This should provide some encouragement for Leeds supporters, that even if the German's injury is more serious than first feared, Llorente is finally ready to step in.
For a player who supposedly was not at full strength, Llorente was a capable stand-in. The Spaniard won each of the five tackles he attempted, made four recoveries, four clearances and won 80% of his aerial battles, as per Opta - and to think he will likely be even better when at full fitness and not thrust into a mid-match maelstrom.
Despite looking strikingly similar to Patrick Bamford on the pitch, Llorente is a notable presence; tall, of a slender build but strong enough to contend with the likes of Olivier Giroud in open play.
There may still be some reservations over his speed in gaining ground on an attacker who has broken beyond the defensive line, but for the most part Llorente's reading of opposition moves was fairly honed. He knew where to position himself and none of the goals could be described as his fault, either wholly or partially.
Llorente appeared the established international he was touted as prior to signing, which is what Marcelo Bielsa will have expected.
The circumstances which he was thrown into would not have been easy for the best and most physical of central defenders around, so to do as he did was admirable to say the very least.
Depending on the severity of Koch's injury, Llorente could well find himself in the fold from the beginning against West Ham United next Friday. If he does, he will yet again face a physical attacking threat, which will be another test of his mettle in the English game.
