Leeds United: Zaliukas - our most import signing?

Article by Alex Shroeter

Losing is unpleasant at the best of times, but it is even more unbearable when the defeat is at the hands of a bitter local rivals. Against Huddersfield, you could argue that we were unlucky to lose or that we deserved more but at the end of the day our defence was all over the place, and this was not the first time.

Even though he is adored by the vast majority of us Leeds fans, Sam Byram can at times be found to be in the wrong position which was seen leading up to Huddersfield’s second goal at the weekend where he allowed Hammill to slip by him. Another of our academy products, Tom Lees is very much a modern centre half who reads the game well and likes to play out from the back but is also prone to the odd error himself. With these two it is clear to see that with another season, or two, they could be two of the finest defenders in the league. Also, with Adam Drury seemingly having very little to play in McDermott’s plans and Jason Pearce with an infuriating habit of ruining solid displays with momentary loss of any common sense, leaving Wootton and Warnock. Wootton appears to be a very promising and versatile defender but will also need more time to settle in and experience regular football at this level while Warnock is our reliable, experienced defensive head.

Marius Zaliukas is a 29 year old Lithuanian international who probably could have slotted into a Leeds team of old with his aggressive, no-nonsense style but he is just what this current team needs. When he first joined Hearts he was strong and aggressive with no real subtlety to his games which resulted in him getting a terrible disciplinary record, making Roy Keane’s look somewhat tame! But with time came experience and he channelled his passion into marshaling the defence and he became a much more accomplished defender and it was not long before he was performing on the international stage with Lithuania. Zaliukas is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder as he is just as comfortable with the ball at his feet allowing him to sweep up any mistakes made by his team mates and keep the game ticking over.

With his combination of short passing and aggression he should perfectly suit Brian’s passing football as well as adding some much needed grit to our defence, which should perfectly compliment the likes of Lees. He will, no doubt, be barking out orders to make sure that Byram is where he should be as well as using his experience to help develop our younger, more inexperienced defenders. Not only this, but he also arrives on a free which will also keep our owners happy.

© e-Football 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football