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July 30, 2002
(Tuesday) from Jonathan Woodgate Club
Woodgate
can lead us to glory
Dominic Matteo claims it is time for Leeds to
forget about Rio
Ferdinand and concentrate on the players who can win them trophies -
like Jonathan Woodgate.
Ferdinand quit Elland Road for Manchester United in a £30million deal.
But Matteo, appointed captain in Ferdinand's place by Terry Venables,
reckons Leeds have a ready-made replacement in Woodgate.
"Of course it is disappointing to lose a player like Rio," said
Matteo.
"I had a a decent relationship on and off the pitch with him - we
were good friends as well as playing together.
"But we have to forget about that now. We have some great players at
the club who can do equally well.
"It is hard to compare two players of that quality. Rio has just
moved to United for £30million, which speaks for itself about his
quality.
"Woody is a year younger, but there isn't a lot of difference between
the two already. Rio would probably say that. He has played with
Jonathan and knows how good he is.
"They are both very quick, read the game well and can both play. They
are also very fit and that counts for a lot as well."
Leeds are on a tour of Australia and the Far East as part of their
build-up to the Premiership season, which they kick-off against
Manchester City on August 17.
And Matteo believes Woodgate, 22, is showing the sort of form which
earned him an England cap three years ago before his well-publicised
off-the-field problems and injuries held up his progress.
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