In Focus: Sublime Sinisterra setting pulses racing at Leeds

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch endured a busy summer in the transfer market — and his capture of Luis Sinisterra is looking particularly shrewd business.

Though injury and suspension has limited the Colombian forward’s involvement so far, goals in three of his five starts have ramped up excitement among the Whites faithful.

Ahead of his side’s trip to lowly Leicester this evening, we put Sinisterra under the spotlight.

Going Dutch

Leeds had to move swiftly to secure Sinisterra after a stunning campaign with Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord gained the 23-year-old plenty of admirers.

In 49 appearances across all competitions in 2021-22, the versatile attacker recorded an outstanding 23 goals and 14 assists, operating at a ratio of three direct goal contributions every four games.

He played a pivotal role in a run to the Europa Conference League final, where his former employers were narrowly edged out 1-0 by Jose Mourinho’s Roma. 

With the likes of Arsenal and Everton also circling, a bid of £21million — the highest fee Feyenoord have ever received — was swiftly lodged to bring the South American to Elland Road in early July.

At the time, Sinisterra was touted by many as a direct replacement for Leeds’ talismanic winger Raphinha, who was being strongly linked with a switch to Barcelona. 

Sure enough, the Brazilian headed to the Camp Nou a week later.

Filling big shoes

While Marsch has never publicly labelled his No23 as Raphinha’s successor, the duo certainly share similar profiles.

Just like his predecessor, Sinisterra arrived in Yorkshire as a 23-year-old with a burgeoning reputation and keen to impress on the Premier League stage.

Though he is right footed, the Colombian is most comfortable cutting in off the left as an inverted winger — something Raphinha was also a master of on the opposite flank.

His close control is without doubt his most impressive trait, frequently using his outstanding balance to open up pockets of space in tight situations.

Adding in explosive pace, crisp passing, an impressive weaker foot and a razor-sharp eye for goal, it is easy to see why comparisons with his fellow South American have been made.

Impressive impact

A pre-season hamstring injury meant Leeds fans had to wait longer than they would have liked to see Sinisterra — but he is certainly making up for lost time.

A first start against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup also brought his first goal, effortlessly twisting out of a tricky situation before bending a 25-yard effort into the far corner. 

If any onlookers thought that virtuoso strike was a flash in the pan, they have quickly been proven wrong.

At the end of August, Marsch gave him a first league start against Everton and he once again came up trumps, drilling home low from outside the area to earn a 1-1 draw.

Four days later, the Whites were humbled 5-2 at Brentford but that did not stop Sinisterra adding to his showreel.

With his side 2-0 down, the wide man gloriously flicked the ball over a Bees defender’s head before lashing home a third straight strike from outside the area.

Plenty to learn

Like any young talent, however, Sinisterra will have his fair share of off-days too.

Against Aston Villa earlier this month, he turned from hero to zero when picking up two needless yellow cards — the second for blocking a quick free-kick when not retreating 10 yards.

It left his team in the lurch and, although Leeds eventually held on for a point, Sinisterra’s actions were branded as "the height of stupidity" by Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane.

However, Marsch was less critical of his young talent.

The American coach said: "We still have more to do in terms of savviness. With Luis he knows it was a mistake.

"I’ve coached young players a lot and you’ve got to be patient at times. It’s brutal but we’re going to help educate them and help them understand what their roles are."

Sky is the limit

Speaking before last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to league leaders Arsenal — a game the Whites dominated for long spells — Marsch made clear how vital Sinisterra already is to his side.

"His return is important for us because he’s one of the guys in the attacking part of the field that creates calmness, ease and has a clever way of playing football," he explained.

To be held in such high regard after only eight appearances is testament to how quickly Sinisterra has adapted to Premier League life.

With three goals for his country in two international appearances last month, the silky winger is also showing himself to be a handful on the global stage.

Tonight's clash with the failing Foxes is another chance to show his star quality.