Responding to a piece by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, many Leeds United supporters have been divided over the notion of awarding defender Gaetano Berardi a new contract despite his years of service – with fans since going on to debate the 31-year-old on Twitter.
Berardi, who has made 150 appearances for Leeds United in all competitions since signing for the club back in the summer of 2014 (Transfermarkt), could be on his way out this summer if the club opt against offering the Swiss stalwart a new deal. This season, Berardi has found himself on the fringes of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion plans – with the player making just 11 Championship starts so far this campaign,
In the games he has played, fellow senior natural defenders Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Ben White and Liam Cooper have all mounted a superior number of tackles on average per game, according to WhoScored.com – potentially highlighting why he is not a first name on the team sheet. However, Berardi did put on an ‘impressive display‘ against Huddersfield last weekend, as relayed by Smyth – resulting in debate over whether his contract should indeed be extended. One fan even described him as ‘underrated‘, find all of the fans’ best verdicts down below.
He needs a new contract, he’s underrated, people overlook him but he’s been important to our season, we wouldn’t be were we are without him
— leeds Utd Fan (@LUFCfanForever) March 10, 2020
no thanks
— Andrew Burke (@andrewMOT) March 10, 2020
You can’t believe he’s good enough for the premier league. I’m sorry but in football loyalty is not enough to earn a contract
— Steve (@Steve71Robinson) March 10, 2020
First it was Costa then Last week bamford was the reason for clean sheets this week its beradi. when the opposing team don’t get near your goal more than 2/3 times a game clean sheets will come which is a team effort not down to an individual
— GARETH SMITH (@bigbadg123) March 10, 2020
Sign him up.
Even if he never plays 1st team next season, he is such a valuable member of the squad off the pitch.
Like many of the current squad, should remain at #lufc until retirement.
— Ash (@Ash12984830) March 10, 2020
Deserves a 12 month extension minimum always a good squad player gives 100% sometime a bit too much though would rather run that risk as he is all heart
— STUART WILSON (@wilsosd) March 10, 2020
Would you gift Berardi a new contract? Join the discussion by commenting below…
