If there is one player that the Italian media are adamant Leeds United probably shouldn’t have let go, it’s Elia Caprile.
The problem is, when the Whites did allow the transfer to Bari after a successful loan at Pro Patria, where he was coached by Renato Redaelli, the young shot stopper had no way of making the first-team, with Illan Meslier firmly in front of him.
Whether that would still be the case at Leeds these days remains to be seen, because Caprile is now the starter at Empoli, after being loaned there by Napoli, who bought him after just a year at Bari in Serie B.
That’s a lot of movement for a player who is still only 22 years of age, but it also allowed him to quickly mature, and it was evident from the off that he was a special talent, as Redaelli told TV Play, relayed by Tutto Napoli.
“Elia showed great personality right from the start. He had an important character and emotional solidity. Who does he resemble? No one in particular comes to mind, but because Elia brings together so many important characteristics of different goalkeepers, I would ‘compare’ him to Elia Caprile.”
Caprile was never given a chance to play for Leeds’ first-team during his time at Elland Road, but did feature for their U21 side 19 times, conceding 26 goals and keeping five clean sheets before Pro Patria came knocking.
During his stellar season for Bari, he conceded 37 goals in 43 appearances, keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets.
