Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has predicted that “sleeping dinosaur” Leeds United will become a “juggernaut” if they return to the Premier League.
United have begun the season in fine form as they target a place in the top flight after 13 years in the lower league doldrums.
Thomas Christiansen’s side lost their grip on top spot when they were defeated 3-1 at promotion rivals Cardiff City on Tuesday night but could still go into the weekend placed second in the Championship.
Oscar-winning actor and lifelong Leeds fan Crowe is in no doubt about the potential of the the club.
“It’s a great sleeping English dinosaur of English sport – it will be a juggernaut if can get back into Premier League,” he said in an interview with BBC Sport, as quoted by broadcaster Adam Pope on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday.
RC on #lufc : "It's a great sleeping English dinosaur of English sport – it will be a juggernaut if can get back into Premier League."
— Adam Pope (@apopey) September 27, 2017
Actor & Leeds United fan Russell Crowe has been speaking to @BBCSport today about #lufc. pic.twitter.com/4JHq1VITW6
— Adam Pope (@APOPEY) September 27, 2017
Leeds will aim to bounce back from their second consecutive away defeat when they take on Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday in what will be a fiercely-contested Yorkshire derby.
Gladiator actor Crowe has spoken passionately about his “love” for Leeds and his support dates back to the 1970s, while he currently owns the Australian rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs.
OPINION
Crowe might be better known for portraying action heroes rather than analysing them, but the sports nut has hit the nail on the head with his observation. With their history, prestige and huge fanbase that extends far beyond west Yorkshire, Leeds have immense potential and, finally, an owner in Andrea Radrizzani who is neither madcap or invisible. Getting out of the Championship would be an immense achievement in Christiansen and Radrizzani’s first season, but the signs are promising despite Tuesday’s defeat in Wales. If Leeds can get some momentum, the whole city will get behind them and something special could build.