Some people seem to forget just how good Leeds United were for a period of time in the early years of the Premier League. Looking back on it now, they, as an entire club, are underrated, let alone some of the players who featured.
The Yorkshire club even reached the Champions League semi-final in 2001 in what was the kind of success that those at Elland Road will see as a fantasy these days. The fact is, prior to their relegation, and the further downfall that followed, Leeds United were one of the most unpredictably brilliant sides in England’s top flight. It was a club full of players going under the radar; some of which we’ve highlighted below.
10) Jack Harrison
One of only two current players to feature on this list, Jack Harrison was often unfortunate to have his output overshadowed by Raphinha before the Brazilian left for Barcelona.
Though, it must be said, Harrison was one of the best players in Jesse Marsch’s side, prior to the American being sacked earlier this week.
Last season, his nine goal involvements were crucial as Leeds just about avoided relegation from the Premier League.
It’s little surprise that Leicester City were keen to buy him in January; it’s imperative to the club that he remains at Elland Road and continues to produce.
9) Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling might not be the first choice left-back at the club anymore, but, with six years of service, he is undoubtedly a modern-day legend at Elland Road; an underrated one at that, too.
The former Bristol City man helped Leeds back to the Premier League in 2019/20, and has since helped to keep them afloat.
It should be said here that he perhaps thrived more in the Championship, and has struggled up against truly quick, skilful Premier League wingers.
But the way that Ayling works, and puts his body on the line, has truly endeared himself to the Leeds fanbase.
8) Ian Harte
For a player so clinical from dead ball situations, we don’t hear enough about Ian Harte. This was a player who scored a free-kick under the lights at Elland Road in a Champions League quarter-final.
In truth, it could be argued that the left-back was before his time. The modern game would have seen the spotlight shine on him far more.
Indeed, Harte ended his career with 281 appearances for Leeds, scoring 38 goals and laying on 27 assists.
He also won 65 caps for the Republic of Ireland, and played for his country at the World Cup.
7) Alf-Inge Haaland
Famous mostly for being the victim to Roy Keane’s career-ending challenge, many seem to forget that Alf-Inge Haaland made an impressive total of 181 Premier League appearances as a defensive midfielder.
Of course, his son, Erling, will likely score more goals than that number – which is a compliment for the forward rather than an insult to his father – but Alf-Inge Haaland certainly had an underrated career.
He clocked up 34 caps for Norway and was an incredible utility man throughout his career.
As per Transfermarkt, he played in the following positions during his time on the pitch: centre-back, right-back, central midfield, defensive midfield, and right midfield.
We’d like to see Erling at centre-back, to be fair!
6) Lucas Radebe
Known by Leeds fans as someone who was undoubtedly world class for a period of time as he helped the club to the Champions League last four, Lucas Radebe remains underrated by those outside of the club.
What didn’t help his underrated status was playing in the same defence as Rio Ferdinand, and Jonathan Woodgate, who received the majority of the spotlight.
However, Radebe played 251 times in total for Leeds, and won 70 caps for South Africa during a truly distinguished career.
An absolute legend of Leeds.
5) Gary Kelly
Another member of that Champions League semi-final side, Gary Kelly is one of the greatest right-backs to ever play for Leeds United. But, again, like Radebe, outside of the Yorkshire club, not many will speak of Kelly with the praise that he deserves. By the time he retired, Kelly had made 325 Premier League appearances.
He also won 51 caps for the Republic of Ireland, playing at two World Cups, in 1994 and 2002.
You simply don’t do that if you’re not an absolutely excellent full-back.
To have the longevity to make your debut in the 1991/92 season, and still be playing for Leeds in 2007 shows just how well Kelly looked after himself throughout his career.
4) Mark Viduka
One of the best goalscorers to play for Leeds, Mark Viduka was never one for the spotlight, even after hanging up his boots, hence the underrated status.
If he did enjoy the limelight, then most Premier League fans would speak of what was a clinical player far more often. He left England with 92 Premier League goals to his name.
Indeed, during his time with Leeds, he developed into one of the purest ball strikers in the top-flight, while he also offered a truly surprising amount of pace and power.
An Australia and Leeds legend, Viduka will never be forgotten at Elland Road.
3) Dominic Matteo
Dominic Matteo was one of those players who was underrated everywhere he went. This is someone who made 275 Premier League appearances, featuring for Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, and Liverpool in what was a very impressive career, but, ultimately, one that went under the radar.
A top left-back, he won six caps for Scotland, and also played for the club in multiple elite European tournaments.
Matteo featured in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup, even scoring two goals in the former throughout the 2000/01 season, when Leeds threatened to do the unthinkable and win the competition.
A brilliant player.
2) David Batty
Like Viduka, David Batty was never one for the limelight, and this sees his impressive career often go under the radar by fans outside of the clubs he starred for.
By the end of his career, he had made 267 appearances in the Premier League, and even had a winners’ medal from the 1995 season with Blackburn Rovers.
Batty may well be best remembered by those of a certain age for his penalty miss for England – you know the one – but this is a truly elite midfield player.
During his time at Leeds, he was a guaranteed starter.
1) Tony Yeboah
Some people may disagree with this one. Yes, Tony Yeboah was rated. But, was he given the credit he really deserves? Not for us.
He remains one of the greatest African players to ever play in the Premier League, and that’s not mentioned enough.
He scored some of the best goals that we’ve seen in England, and should be up there with some of the best strikers of a ball that the Premier League has ever seen.
Who can forget that strike that pinged off the crossbar before crossing the line? We all know those goals are the best goals.
So, there you have it, our list of the most underrated players to play for Leeds United in the Premier League era. Do you agree with our picks? Or do you believe we’ve missed out some deserving players? Let us know in the comments!
