The Leeds United defender knows he is not the best left-back around, yet his performances this season suggest he is doing just fine.
In a recent interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United full-back Gaetano Berardi admitted that the club needed a better left-back than him, but in a sense that explains exactly why the Whites are fine as they are.
Berardi may be a right-back by trade, forced to play out of position by a lack of viable alternatives, but his passion and work-rate more than make up for a lack of previous experience on that side of the field.
It is one thing saying Leeds would benefit from a “better” left-back but what does that actually mean? After all, Berardi understands what it means to play for the Whites and he gives his all no matter where he is asked to play.
A natural left-footer with years of experience on that flank is not necessarily going to give the no-nonsense performances Leeds fans are used to seeing from the Swiss defender.
It is testament to Berardi’s character that, while he knows he is makeshift option, he still stands out as one of Leeds’ best performers more often than not, compensating for any doubts about his ability by simply getting stuck in.
He got over a recent dip in form to start in victories against Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City and he will be vital in the second half of the campaign.
Some players do not perform well enough in their natural position, but Berardi is jack of all trades and a master of plenty as well.
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