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10 Greatest Leeds United Midfielders Ever

6. Gary McAllister

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Born Motherwell in 1964, Gary McAllister proved to be the most consistent Leeds player in his six seasons at Elland Road, and was as articulate off the field as on it. One of the greatest Leeds United midfielders ever, Scottish international ‘Macca’ sprayed the ball around like an Italian, was deadly at set-pieces and packed a powerful shot — which brought him a higher than an average number of goals from midfield.

After winning the Second Division championship, Howard Wilkinson sought to add skill to United’s muscular approach and beat off a challenge from Brian Clough to land the rising Leicester City star for £1m. McAllister dovetailed perfectly with Strachan, Batty and Speed to form an all-star international midfield, who were magnificent, as Leeds won the 1991-92 title.

Captain of Leeds and Scotland, he won most of his 50+ caps while at Leeds where he played 293 games, scoring 45 times. He left for Coventry for £3m in 1996 and also played for Liverpool before returning to Coventry as player/manager.

5. Gordon Strachan

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After a successful career with Manchester United, Scottish international Gordon Strachan fell out with the manager, Alex Ferguson. Howard Wilkinson brought Gordon Strachan to Elland Road in 1989, where the £200,000 transfer fee was soon justified as the hard-working, red-headed Scot helped Leeds United to promotion in his first full season with the club.

Gordon Strachan remained a big influence the following year as Leeds United finished fourth and the Scottish midfielder was voted The Football Writers Player of the Season 1991. He would go on to appear with Leeds 311 times from 1988 to 1996, scoring 57 goals.

But Leeds United fans’ fondest memories of Gordon Strachan will be his performances that helped Leeds beat former club Manchester United to be crowned First Division Champions in 1992. The hard-working Scot formed part of a formidable Leeds United midfield, largely recognised as the key to Howard Wilkinson’s success.

4. John Giles

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Diminutive, fleet-footed and quick-thinking, Giles was the unsung hero of Revie’s Leeds, diligently probing the midfield, snuffing out opposition attacks and building moves. He joined the club from rivals Manchester United in 1963 for a fee of £33,000 and went on to become one of the finest signings in English football history.

His slight physique belied a combative streak which allowed Revie to transform him into a central midfielder having spent much of his early career out on the wing. Next to Bremner, Giles would go on to patrol Leeds’ midfield throughout the 1960s and ‘70s.

Winning Division One, FA Cup, Fairs Cup and League Cup winner’s medals, Giles was a prolific penalty taker, converting 44 spot-kicks among his 115 goals. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest Leeds United midfielders ever.

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SUBHAM

A sports addict! @subhamchaurasia

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