Exclusive: ‘Outstanding’ – Paul Robinson delighted by early Leeds news for clash v Wigan
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 has said that Gaetano Berardi was a big miss against Millwall and is delighted he’s available for selection for the Wigan game at Elland Road on Saturday.
Berardi has stepped in whenever needed at centre-back this season and, with Kalvin Phillips suspended, he was expected to play alongside Liam Cooper against Millwall, with Ben White moving up to the holding midfield spot.
With Berardi missing on Tuesday, Gjanni Alioski came in for Phillips, with Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez making up a three-man midfield, and Ben White staying in the centre of defence.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I think Berardi would have played against Millwall and he’s done an outstanding job all season when he’s had to play.
“That would have freed Ben White to play in the holding midfield role, where I expected him on Tuesday.
“Berardi has been a huge bonus for Leeds when we’ve needed him and it’s meant we didn’t really miss Cooper when he was out injured.
“He’s such a versatile defender and he’s a big miss when he’s out so this is a big boost for Leeds.”
Marcelo Bielsa has plenty of options for the game at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Besides whether Berardi should come in, Bielsa has two new signings who are fit and available for selection.
Ian Poveda was on the bench for the Millwall game and striker Jean-Kevin Augustin signed on Monday.
Neither are expected to start the game on Saturday but both could make the bench.
Leeds fans – who have already taken Augustin to their hearts after he turned down a late bid from Man United to move to Elland Road – will be hoping to see their new striker come on later on in the game to make his debut.
In other Leeds United news, Bundesliga journalist details Augustin off-the-pitch issues that killed career at RB Leipzig