This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Leeds United centre-back Gaetano Berardi is yet to open talks with the club over a new contract according to Phil Hay, but their latest win over Huddersfield highlighted the need for that to change as soon as possible.
What’s he said?
The Whites returned back to the Championship’s summit thanks to second-half goals from Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez, meaning Marcelo Bielsa’s side also racked up an 11th clean sheet of the season and their sixth straight league victory.
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They were faced with a huge selection dilemma before the match with Kalvin Phillips out through suspension and with Ben White moving slightly forward to take his place, Berardi partnered Luke Ayling with the Brighton loanee dropping in to make it a back three on occasions.
Hay, The Athletic’s club correspondent, claims that the 31-year-old hasn’t been spoken to about a new contract while also believing that they should part ways in the summer, he said:
“I need to check on him but there have been no talks yet. I think you have to ask the question of how he’d cope in the Premier League. Much as I see good things in him, I have my doubts. You need to be fair to players but not sentimental.”
Centre-back situation
Bielsa’s squad depth at centre-back is particularly worrying so it’s hard to agree with Hay’s viewpoint on Berardi.
Despite losing possession 14 times, the Italian did manage three clearances, two interceptions and two tackles, per SofaScore.
Given continual injury problems to skipper Liam Cooper and the likelihood that White is gone in the summer, it would make so much sense to hand Berardi a contract extension.
He showed he could do it against a Huddersfield side that had ten attempts at goal while trying to take advantage of their height advantage by playing for set-pieces (seven corners).
White’s performances this season have seen interest mount from both Liverpool and Manchester United – if they do earn promotion he will be a big loss and you’ve also got to consider that Berardi is the only man with top-flight experience having played for Sampdoria in the Serie A.
Virtually impossible: Can you name the year all of these Leeds flops arrived at Elland Road?
In other news, are Leeds looking at a Premier League outcast to fill the potential void left behind if Eddie Nketiah is recalled?