Signed from Newcastle United on a free transfer, Vurnon Anita could be invaluable to Leeds United.
Vurnon Anita will have been disappointed to have missed out on starting Leeds United’s opening Championship game but he went on to play a crucial role in their victory.
Anita was called upon midway through the first half when left-back Gaetano Berardi was stretchered off with an injured shoulder.
Left-back is not a usual position to Anita. He is a midfielder by trade and a right-footed one, who has regularly filled in at right-back previously for Newcastle.
This familiarity with the full-back role made it easier for the Dutchman but his performance was still impressive as part of a makeshift backline.
Leeds beat Bolton 3-2, with only one of their regular back four from last season completing the game, Luke Ayling.
Anita was signed on a free transfer from Newcastle this summer and already he is looking invaluable to Leeds.
His versatility will prove crucial in a 46 game Championship season, especially with Leeds’ thin backline.
Leeds can’t compete with big spending Middlesbrough and Wolves when it comes to transfer fees, but the acquisition of Anita is an exceptional deal which both clubs should be jealous of.
Anita has promotion experience with Newcastle last season and will also be motivated to show they were wrong to let him go.
The fact he has won international caps for Holland speaks highly enough of his quality and at 28 he has plenty to offer.
His long term role in the side remains unclear, but Anita is likely to see action most weeks for Leeds one way or another.
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