Andy Couzens urges Leeds to hand new contract to ‘popular figure’ after recent blinders
Andy Couzens has urged Leeds United to hand a new contract to Gaetano Berardi as soon as possible at Elland Road.
The Swiss enforcer has been called into action frequently in the past month, with Kalvin Phillips having picked up a knock in the win against Reading.
Berardi’s current deal expires at the end of this season, although many have called for the 31-year-old to be handed a new deal.
Couzens has claimed that Berardi fits Marcelo Bielsa’s criteria of being versatile enough to play in more than one position.
“I would be looking to tie him down to a new deal,” Couzens told Football League World.
“He’s a squad player and might get more games elsewhere in the Championship or somewhere else in the world, but he offers so much versatility across the defence, which means he fits the criteria; right-back, left-back centre-back.
“Additionally, he seems like a popular figure within the group.”
Berardi particularly impressed in the recent 2-0 win over Huddersfield at Elland Road, more than proving his worth to Bielsa.
The 31-year-old helped keep quiet the experienced Fraizer Campbell as well as blunting the clear presence of Karlan Grant, who has torn apart many defences in the Championship this season already.
Berardi completed three tackles as well as a couple of interceptions according to WhoScored – more impressively he completed four clearances to limit the Terriers to few chances.
That performance has definitely proved that Berardi still has what it takes to succeed with the Whites and his experience will be vital in these next couple of months.
In other Leeds United news, Lee Johnson comments on problem of Whites youngster – report suggests he could target 20y/o