Diego Llorente

Diego Javier Llorente Ríos ([ˈdjeɣo ʎoˈɾente ˈri.os]; born 16 August 1993) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team as a central defender.

Born in Madrid, Llorente joined Real Madrid's youth system in July 2002, one month shy of his ninth birthday. In the 2012–13 season he made his senior debut, appearing with the C-team in a 1–1 away draw against Caudal Deportivo for the Segunda División B championship.

On 24 March 2013, Llorente made his first appearance with Real Madrid Castilla, coming on as a substitute for injured Iván González in an eventual 4–0 home win over Córdoba CF. On 11 May, he was an unused bench player for the main squad in a La Liga match at RCD Espanyol, but finally made his debut in the competition on 1 June, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa for the dying minutes of the last game of the campaign, at home against CA Osasuna.

On 14 July 2015, Llorente moved to neighbouring Rayo Vallecano in a season-long loan deal. He scored his first goal in the top flight on 3 January 2016, netting the first in a 2–2 home draw against Real Sociedad, and was an undisputed starter as his team eventually suffered relegation as third from bottom.

On 8 July 2016, Llorente was loaned to Málaga CF also in the top level. The following 26 June, he signed a permanent five-year contract with fellow league team Real Sociedad. In his league debut, on 10 September, he contributed with one goal two a 4–2 away win over Deportivo de La Coruña after replacing Iñigo Martínez midway through the second half; four days later, in his very first appearance in European competition, he started and scored twice in a 4–0 home routing of Rosenborg BK for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.

In May 2016, Llorente was called up to the Spain national team by manager Vicente del Bosque for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made his debut late in the month, replacing Cesc Fàbregas in the 3–1 win in Switzerland.

A right-footed player who possesses excellent positioning and is strong in the air, Llorente can operate as a central defender or a defensive midfielder. He is also quite proficient at passing the ball.