Adam Elliott

Tue 7 January 2020 13:11, UK

This column is part of a regular series from our panel of Leeds United Super Fans. Each week, our Super Fans will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Elland Road and Thorp Arch 

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This decade started with a famous 1-0 FA Cup win over bitter rivals Manchester United in what was one of the biggest cup giant killings of recent times, and the decade ended with an incredible 5-4 win against Birmingham.

A fitting beginning and end with Leeds finishing in the same manner as the entirety of the decade of the club itself; in complete and utter carnage. 

Despite the off-field antics, on the pitch the club has boasted a wealth of talented players over the last 10 years despite remaining in England’s second tier for much of the time. 

As the decade has now drawn to a conclusion here are my best player picks and the best possible team from this frantic 10 years:

Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel

• He may have found himself here for only a solitary season in which he conceded 70 league goals. However, it was clear Leeds had a real gem on their hands from his early days. He departed the club to most fans annoyance for Leicester for a reported £1m… That worked out fairly well for one of the clubs involved in that transfer (and how often can we say that this decade?). Honourable mentions must be given to current ‘keeper Casilla and Rob Green who have both done well in a position Leeds has often struggled with this decade. 

Right-back: Luke Ayling

• Arguably the hardest two-person choice in the team in my opinion. It is a 50/50 toss up between Sam Byram and Ayling. Byram was the best player at the club and main creative force from a right-back or right-midfield position for quite some time. However, Ayling’s well-rounded qualities and longevity as one of the division’s outstanding full-backs just edges him in ahead of Byram. Undroppable now and always so reliable, he provides defensive cover but attacks with confidence too. He is always a banker to be a 7 or an 8 out of 10. Mr. Consistent. 

Centre-back: Ben White

• He may not have the longevity of a Liam Cooper, or the height, goal threat and physicality of a Kyle Bartley, but Ben White is the best centre-half I have ever seen at Elland Road. He belongs in this team even with only half a season of football for The Whites under his belt. Elegant, composed, reassured, and simply magnificent; a real Rolls-Royce of a defender. We wouldn’t be as comfortable as we are in the table so far this season without this man sweeping up. 

Centre-back: Pontus Jansson

• The ending of his career may have been sour but during his time here he was superb. Many lauded him as the best in the division (before we had met Ben White). Aggressive in both boxes, and did the defensive side of the game so well. Formed formidable partnerships with Bartley and also Cooper but was undoubtedly always a cut above this level. His arrival was also symptomatic and symbolic of a rise in the club’s fortunes in recent years of this decade. He provided a more meaningful connection to the fans too which seemed to have been dwindling for some time. 

Left-back: Charlie Taylor

• Not a position Leeds have been blessed in this decade. A nod must be given to Stephen Warnock but Taylor was the outstanding candidate here. During his final season at the club he was probably the league’s best left-back. Defensively sound and offensively proficient, the academy graduate was always super fit and made the box to box runs down the left flank look easy. Never truly replaced since his departure, but it was always going to be difficult to replace someone of his quality. 

Defensive-midfield: Kalvin Phillips

• Quite simply the best player in his position currently in the division. It was always clear he was talented but under Bielsa he has become a different animal altogether. Combative with an excellent range of passing. Simply put – this will either be Phillips’ last season with Leeds or Leeds’ last season in this division. He is a Premier League player and future England international. Arguably my favourite player this decade and his transformation has been a privilege to watch. 

Central-midfield: Lewis Cook

• One of the most naturally gifted and talented players Elland Road has produced in recent memory. One of the shining lights of the team in some dark years for the club. It was clear he wouldn’t be here long whilst the club remained in the Championship. A full England international now, but during his time here he provided energy and drive in what was a pretty stale looking midfield. We didn’t enjoy him for long enough but he was always going to be a part of the ever-revolving door. The fee still hurts. 

Attacking-midfield: Pablo Hernandez

• Another of my favourite players of this decade. The best thing Garry Monk did in his time at the club was to bring this man back to English football. He may be well into the final stages of his career but he has helped transform the club into genuine promotion hopefuls. Howson came into my thinking here and was a good goal scoring midfielder, but Pablo is simply a different level. A two-time player of the year and all-round genius. He has played 139 games for the club with 30 goals and 34 assists. He defies age, and Leeds always seem to miss him when he’s out of the team. Words don’t do the magic man justice. 

Right-wing: Robert Snodgrass

• During his final season in League One he registered 15 assists. “Keep calm and give it to Snoddy” is something I’ll always remember hearing at Elland Road. His left foot was a wand. He made up for his slight lack of pace with quality deliveries and cutting in trademark style from the right to shoot or cross towards the far post. Let go too early and too cheap like so many others but someone who provided real moments of joy on a consistent basis. His set-piece deliveries have never truly been replicated and replaced. 

Left-wing: Max Gradel

• I don’t think I’ve seen many with the pace of this man. Frightening. Part of a brilliant frontline under Simon Grayson’s tenure and picked up the player of the season award in his final full season where Leeds scored 81 goals, which speaks for itself. An integral part of the team with his pace and finishing providing all sorts of problems and headaches for opposing full-backs. A true breath of fresh air and when he played you always felt like he would do something and give you a chance. 

Centre-forward: Luciano Becchio

• Quite easily the most difficult position to choose in and by far the most controversial and competitive. Beckford misses out as he only managed half a season this decade and there are other strong options. McCormack consistently performed at a time they needed him most just to stay up. Chris Wood started his career here slow but ended as the Championship’s best striker before departing for Burnley. However, my soft spot for Becchio nudges him into the team above the rest. He knew where the back of the net was in every sense of the words. He scored all manner of goals both inside and outside the box, with his head or either foot. Joining on trial as a long blonde haired Argentine who no one had a clue about, best believe he’s well known now. A Leeds cult hero and is among the top 10 scorers in the history of the club with 75 goals. 

Adam Elliott is a member of the MOT Super Fans panel and provides his post-match thoughts on Leeds after every game

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