Leeds United were struggling to get results around the turn of the year, but have found their mojo as they have won their last five games in a row and are occupying the top spot in the Championship at the moment. The promised land looks within grasp.
One player who has played an underrated role in the recent run is Gaetano Berardi. Kalvin Phillips has missed a few ties with injuries, and Ben White has stepped up for him in defensive midfield. Berardi has had to play in defence, and he has filled in well helping the Whites keep essential clean sheets.
Bielsa Praises Berardi
Marcelo Bielsa recently singled out Berardi for praise and said (Leeds Live), ”Some player have more minutes, another fewer minutes. Under-23 competition is very useful for us because players not in the first time play here and keep their level. In the last two matches he played, he had a great performance and one of the best of the team. For our team, he is very important. For the contribution he does every time he has to play and also as a leader, supporting every team-mate, everybody respects and loves him.”
In a promotion run, squad depth is often tested, and a club needs all the players to stand up at some point in time. Berardi filled in seamlessly at the back against Huddersfield. Even against Middlesbrough, he did his job as the Whites earned a narrow 1-0 win.
Why Berardi’s contract extension looks unlikely?
Berardi though is running out of contract at the end of the season, and it is still unclear whether he would be handed an extension or not. Bielsa recently talked about his importance in the side, but we feel that even some impressive performances might not be enough for Berardi to earn a new contract. He has been rash in the past, and the defender is also not aerially dominant.
The Swiss defender is already 31, and with the Whites likely to go up, they should be more ambitious in adding reinforcements to the side. One thing which goes for Berardi is his versatility as he can fill as a centre back or as a full-back when required. However, he has predominantly played as a centre back under Bielsa.
As things stand, it seems unlikely to us that his contract would be extended at Elland Road. Leeds United should have a decent amount of money in the summer to bolster their squad, and that might mean the end of Berardi if the owners decide to spend on revamping the defensive side of the team.
