TBR View – Leeds must not shut door on extending Gaetano Berardi’s deal

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There was something of a selection surprise ahead of Leeds United’s clash with Middlesbrough with Gaetano Berardi coming into the side for Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips was a doubt for the game, so his absence was not entirely unexpected. However, it was interesting that Marcelo Bielsa decided to bring Berardi in rather than Gjanni Alioski, who replaced Phillips at the weekend.

Berardi had not played for Leeds since the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in early January. And it had been well over two months since the last time the 31-year-old played 90 minutes in the league.

However, had you not known that information, it is unlikely that you would have had any idea based on Berardi’s display at the Riverside Stadium.

The defender was outstanding against Jonathan Woodgate’s men. He was composed on the ball, read the game superbly and dealt with the physicality Boro had going forward extremely well.

Unsurprisingly, the fans were full of praise for his performance.

And his display should perhaps leave the club with plenty to ponder.

The Daily Mirror reported in October that Berardi is out of contract this summer. It was suggested then that Leeds were open to handing him a new deal, and were leaving the decision down to Berardi.

It is not clear what Leeds’s current stance is. Admittedly, their position may remain the same: Berardi can have a new contract if he wants one.

Berardi may have doubts about extending his deal. He has played a fairly peripheral role under Bielsa.

But following his display against Boro, Leeds must surely ensure that the door remains open for Berardi.

Of course, some fans will never shake the feeling that Berardi cannot be fully trusted. He has collected a number of red cards during his time at Elland Road. And his dismissal in last season’s play-off semi-final seemed incredibly costly.

However, as an understudy, Leeds may struggle to replace him. He rarely lets the side down when he comes in for a rare appearance.

Berardi has made 16 league appearances this season. And remarkably, Leeds have conceded just five goals while he has been on the pitch.

Of course, that is not all down to Berardi. And six of those appearances have involved him coming off the bench. But the numbers are in keeping with the consistency he has often showed.

Leeds will move on should Berardi decide to leave. And they may already have plans in place in case he does go.

But Wednesday’s performance was arguably a reminder that he still has the quality to play for a role for the Whites in the future.