After a disastrous spell at Leeds, Zan Benedicic has rebuilt his career.
It was a week and five years ago that Zan Benedicic played his last game for Leeds United.
His 12 minute showing against Bolton was just his second appearance, and at the time he had no idea it would be his final match for the club.
Benedicic was one of more than a dozen players signed by Leeds in Massimo Cellino’s first summer as Whites owner.
Like Brazil youth international Adryan, Benedicic arrived with a big reputation, but showed even less.
Benedicic was in AC Milan’s youth team and his signature seemed like a coup.
A knee injury which required surgery meant his stint at Leeds never really got going and he remains a bit of a mystery figure to supporters.
Downward spiral
Unfortunately for Benedicic, his spell at Leeds was not as bad as it got for him.
Two years later he returned to England, to play two divisions below on loan at Leyton Orient, on a free transfer.
He could not even make an impact there. He made only two appearances before being released months later.
At this point it looked like Benedicic might genuinely be at risk of seeing his football career fading.
Many a promising youngster end up giving up the game and Benedicic was on a downward spiral, heading towards this path.
Bouncing back
Benedicic’s story might yet have a happy ending. After another stint in Italy’s lower leagues, ge returned to his native Slovenia, for who he has represented the club’s under-21 side.
The midfielder signed for Slovenian top flight side Celje in 2018, and has not looked back.
He has been injury free and is finally beginning to enjoy his football again.
Benedicic has played in seven of eight games this season for the club, scoring once.
Their form means Celje sit in third place, and he has an important role. Still only 23, the ex-Leeds loanee has plenty more to give.
It may not be the heights of the San Siro, or even Elland Road, and he may even have found his level. Potentially he is just resetting, before going back to the big time.
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