'I will have a word' - When Leeds United's Makelele solution became a Zidane revelation

Words will be had with Josuha Guilavogui after his Claude Makelele act turned into a Zinedine Zidane showcase for Leeds United on Saturday. Daniel Farke had sent on his veteran midfielder in the 85th minute to see the game out, but found him bounding into the final third and even having a shot at goal.

The score was still 1-0 when the 34-year-old trotted on for Joe Rothwell and there were some nerves on the terraces. Guilavogui immediately set about bringing some control to the midfield and looked imperious in either battling for the ball or controlling it.

As space opened up and Queens Park Rangers struggled to control matters, the Frenchman could not resist raids into the box. The holding midfielder ended the game with only one fewer touch than Wilfried Gnonto in the QPR box.

READ MORE: Leeds United starlet tipped for stardom as key attacker offers unique Craig Bellamy insight

READ MORE: Rare Elland Road opportunity offered to Leeds United support after Europe's best claim

“If I'm really honest, even I was a bit surprised because I told him ‘Listen, we see the game out, you hold the centre,’” said Farke. “The plan was, more or less, to play him a bit like Claude Makelele, but he played a bit more like Zinedine Zidane, also with great skills.

“I loved it, I have to say, but yes, he's still young, he still can learn. Josh, great guy, because, in the defensive situations, he won many important duels and was more lively and more adventurous in going forward than I told him, but he's also an experienced player.”

Guilavogui is by far the oldest and most experienced outfield player in the side. Farke knows he can trust him to make on-field decisions like whether to go forward or not.

The manager was delighted with the late impact he had, especially as Rothwell began to tire.

“I also trust him if he got the feeling he can do this during the game and I will allow this, although I will also have a word with him in the next days to make sure we are not overdoing this,” he said with a smile. “I'm happy to have him, especially for this situation, to see the game out.

“Joe Rothwell was struggling with a few cramps and then when there is perhaps a cross or set-piece, [Guilvaogui is there] to defend this. Also, when it's about winning a duel in order to keep the ball or to initialise another counter-attack in the last minutes, for that we have signed him.

“It's crucial for us, at the moment, to have him. Fantastic guy. Whenever you see him, you just have to smile because he's such a nice person and always smiley and it's great to have him.”