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Exclusive: Paul Robinson insists Leeds fringe player with 'right mindset' deserves new contract
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson believes that Gaetano Berardi must be offered a new contract with Leeds.
The 31-year-old is the only player in the current set-up with a contract that expires in the summer who hasn’t been given a new deal.
He’s been on the fringes of the Leed side this season and was dropped from the squad entirely for the game against Reading.
He played 90 minutes against Middlesbrough, with Kalvin Phillips out, and put in a brilliant display, but he’d only played four minutes of first-team football in the previous 13 games.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Berardi deserves a new contract because of the way he’s come in when he’s been needed this season.
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“He’s come in when there have been injuries. He’s come in, like Middlesbrough, when Kalvin Phillips was out and Ben White moved up to the holding midfield role.
“He’s a great option to have. He’s a versatile player and he’s got the right mindset to come in and do the job when he’s needed.”
As far as we know, Leeds haven’t even opened talks with Berardi yet so there has to be a chance that he wants to move back to Switzerland when his contract expires.
He might be 31 but he’s proved he’s still got what it takes and a short-term contract would seem like a perfect solution if he was up for staying.
If he does decide to leave he’ll be a big loss and there are plenty of Leeds fans who think very highly of him.
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