Leeds-born professional boxer Josh Warrington has raved about the qualities of defender Gaetano Berardi.
The 29-year-old full-back has become a mainstay in the team under Thomas Christiansen and is renowned for being a touch tackler, but a quiet character off the pitch.
He has started the last four consecutive matches for the Whites and is currently the preferred left-back option over both Vurnon Anita and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.
The Swiss defender is a right-back by trade, but the right-footed defender has shown his versatility during his time at Elland Road.
He is known as a big fan favourite for his fully committed performances, but there have been question marks over his ability at times this campaign.
Warrington believes that Berardi does his talking on the pitch and the football star accompanied the boxer for his ring walk in the win over Dennis Ceylan in October.
“Just hard working, heart on his sleeve player. Does his talking on the pitch,” Warrington wrote on his personal Twitter account.
Good to catch up with my man Gaetano Berardi this afternoon as not seen him since the fight. A man of few words, but a big love for Leeds ? pic.twitter.com/3uDWtnmCSQ
— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) November 28, 2017
Just hard working, heart on his sleeve player
— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) November 28, 2017
He's defo that. Does the talking on the pitch
— Josh Warrington (@J_Warrington) November 28, 2017
OPINION
It is easy to see why Berardi is a big favourite with some fans due to his clear dedication and he always leaves everything out on the pitch. However, even some die-hard Berardi supporters have grown frustrated with his display recently and have called for his axe from the starting XI. The powerhouse defender excels going forward, but doesn’t quite have the tools of a modern day full-back going forward. It is easy to forget he is playing out of position and looks a far more solid player on the right, which is a position currently cemented by the consistent Luke Ayling.