Leeds United will end a positive pre-season against AC Milan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Daniel Farke will be hoping his Whites side end their opening games on a high with a triumph over the Italian giants.
With it 25 years on since Lee Bowyer scored against Milan on that famous night at Elland Road, the two sides meet once again.
As Leeds kick off in the Premier League in nine days time, this will be the last test for Farke to go full strength ahead of the Everton clash.
Illan Meslier won’t be involved for Leeds, but in the Milan camp, there is set to be a historic debut.
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Luka Modric to make AC Milan debut against Leeds United
One of the transfers of the summer so far has been Luka Modric finally leaving Real Madrid after 13 seasons, as he joined AC Milan.
The 39-year-old is no doubt a footballing legend, and the Croatian is now set to make his long-awaited debut against Leeds in Dublin after Milan’s media dropped a hint.
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Although Whites fans will be tuning in to see their own players perform, seeing the incredible talent that is Modric will be an added bonus.
It’s set to be the ultimate test for Leeds’ midfield, who get to play against one of the all-time greats, and Marcelo Bielsa is someone that greatly admires the former Madrid star.
With the legendary footballer starting his next chapter against Leeds, Bielsa could be an eager viewer of this game.
Speaking in an interview in 2023, the Argentine couldn’t give more praise to the former Tottenham midfielder if he tried, as he named a position after him.
“The hardest player to find in football is the 8. I named it ‘The Modric,’ ” Bielsa said.
“Someone who defends like a six and attacks like a ten. He has the ability to defend, the skills to attack, and understanding the game in both directions.”
As the 39-year-old has created this role, Farke could have his own version with Sean Longstaff next season.
Longstaff’s energy is his best asset, as the 27-year-old can be used in both defence and attack, emulating what Modric has been praised for.
Saturday’s encounter will be a good lesson for the new Leeds star, who is now set to learn from the best at what he does.