MIDFIELDERS
(Last updated 18-02-03)
A.K.A.: Olly
Do they chant his name?: Did when he was here
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 48/3
Scoring average (percent): 6.2
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 25/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value:Currently on loan at Roma with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season, for around £4m, I belive.
To sum up: A truly world class talent who has, for whatever reason, fallen out of favour with the club. Pity.
A.K.A.: Erm, Barmby
Do they chant his name?: A little bit
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): N/A
Scoring average (percent): N/A
Status/Value: A useful addition to the squad who has been out with an inkury recently. Versatile enough to plug gaps as they appear in the Leeds team, Barmby should feature regularly, though perhaps not in the same position. Worth around £2m.
To sum up: A good player to have in the squad for the moment - perhaps even for the long haul.
A.K.A.: Macca
Do they chant his name?: Not much
Played/Goals scored ('99/'00 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 37/2
Scoring average (percent): 5.4
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 10/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 4/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value: Macca now seems to be out of favour with El Tel, too, probably because he is too lightweight to look after himself in the middle of the park. He can play the ball around, but he can't keep it - which makes him a liability. Will move on if we get a bid of aaround £1-2m, I think.
To sum up: While there's no doubting McPhail's talent, he lacks the steel needed to make that talent shine.
A.K.A.: Erm, Wilcox
Do they chant his name?: Now and then...
Played/Goals scored ('99/'00 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 26/4
Scoring average (percent): 15.4
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 23/1
Scoring average (percent): 4.3
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 17/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value: Wilcox has been playing regularly recently, mainly on the left side of midfield. His displays have been consistent rather than eye-catching. Could find himself on the bench when a few more players return. I'd rate him at around £1m.
To sum up: Still very much a squad player, but one who works hard whenever the opportunity arises.
A.K.A.: The bloke behind me at Elland Road usually calls him The Viking King, and I've heard John Bradley (from off the radio) calling him the Elk or summat. I stick to Bakke.
Do they chant his name?: Yes
Played/Goals scored ('99/'00 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 44/8
Scoring average (percent): 18.2
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 44/3
Scoring average (percent): 6.8
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 35/4
Scoring average (percent): 11.4
Status/Value: Eirik was just getting back to his best form when - surprise, surprise - injury struck. He has put in some tireless performances recently, even playing as a makeshift striker when needed. A player we could do with at the moment. Worth around £4m.
To sum up: Proved his detractors wrong by plugging away until he got his form back. Let's hope he recovers soon.
A.K.A.: Erm, Seth?
Do they chant his name?: Yep
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 14/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value: Just getting back from a long time out, Seth has put in some good displays and could make the most of not moving to Middlesbrough. A good run in the team could see his value rise from £3m.
To sum up: Potentially a better player than I gave him credit for in the past. Needs to stay injury free.
A.K.A.: Batts
Do they chant his name?: Would do if he played
Played/Goals scored ('99/'00 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 21/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 26/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 44/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value:Has only just started on the trail back from injury, but is still unlikely to play when fit. I suspect the club would let him go on a free if it meant getting rid of his wage. I suspect he wouldn't go because he won't get the same money elsewhere.
To sum up: Likely just to see out his contract at Leeds.
A.K.A.: Paul, I'm guessing
Do they chant his name?: Not really
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): N/A
Scoring average (percent): N/A
Status/Value: Brought in on a free to bolster the midfield, Okon has done his job quietly and effectively. Whether is he seen as a long term player is debatable, but he is doing ok for now. Could probably get up to £1m if we sold him, I reckon.
To sum up: Quietly effective ;)
A.K.A.: Burnsy
Do they chant his name?: Erm, no...
Played/Goals scored ('00/'01 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 9/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): 0/0
Scoring average (percent): 0
Status/Value: Though he tries hard, Burns is never going to be a Premier League standard player. If we could sell him on for the £500k that we paid for him, it would represent good business.
To sum up: Destined to play in the lower leagues, or not at all.
A.K.A.: Jamie, even though he doesn't like it :P
Do they chant his name?: Yep
Played/Goals scored ('01/'02 all games, inc. sub. Apps): N/A
Scoring average (percent): N/A
Status/Value: Not a regular first-teamer yet, but one who looks like he could become one. He's got pace, trickery and isn't easily phased - attributes that make him a good prospect for having a long term future at Leeds. Wouldn't want to put a value on him yet, but he is better than that Rooney thing.
To sum up: Bags of talent, bags of potential.