Gaetano Berardi played well for Leeds United against Derby County at the weekend.
The former Leeds manager was impressed with the display produced by Berardi in defence during the Whites’ 1-0 win against the Rams in the first leg of the Championship playoff semi-final tie at the Pride Park Stadium on Saturday evening.
The 30-year-old came in for the injured Pontus Jansson and looked very strong beside Liam Cooper at the heart of the Leeds defence.
According to WhoScored, Berardi – who is a very versatile defender and can operate as a centre-back, right-back or left-back – had a pass accuracy of 85.4%, won eight headers, and made six tackles and two clearances.
Berardi has had injury problems this season, but the defender has done well when he has been on the pitch and has played his role in Leeds reaching the Championship playoffs this season.
Former Leeds manager Grayson was impressed with Berardi, and so was ex-White striker Noel Whelan.
Grayson said about Berardi on BBC Radio Leeds: “I thought he did outstandingly well even when Liam Cooper went down in the warm-up a few weeks ago. Berardi came in. He doesn’t let you down.”
Whelan added: “I thought Berardi today was an absolute rock at the back alongside Cooper.”
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