Greatest Leeds United Players Of All Time | Top 10 Legends
3. John Charles [1947-1957 & 1962]
The Gentle Giant, as he was known, began life at Elland Road as a centre-half. He quickly established himself as one of the best defenders the game had due to the way he married his technical ability with his physical presence.
At the start of the 1952-53 season, however, Charles was given a new role in the team as he was asked to play upfront. He adapted just as quickly as he had done when he broke into the first-team as a defender in 1949. He proceeded to score 108 league goals over the next four seasons, including 42 in just 39 games in the 1953-54 campaign.
As a centre half, no one could beat him in the air and as a centre forward he was lethal. His form brought him to the attention of Italian giants Juventus who paid a British record fee for him in 1957. After five successful years in Turin – he returned to Leeds, who were then being managed by Don Revie.
John Charles was voted the greatest ever foreign player to play for Juventus. He won 3 Italian league medals with the club. Charles holds the scoring record in a season for Leeds United with 42 league goals in 1953-54. He made 327 league and cup appearances for Leeds scoring 157 goals.
2. Peter Lorimer [1962–1978 & 1983-1985]
Lorimer was an attacking midfielder, generally regarded as having one of the hardest shots in football. From 1984 to 1985 he was club captain of Leeds and holds the record as the club’s youngest ever player and record goalscorer. He was voted into the Greatest Leeds United team of all time.
His shooting aside, he was a superb right-winger and his crosses to the Leeds forwards were deadly accurate. However, he will be remembered for his blistering shooting skills in his two periods with Leeds, which resulted in 238 goals in a total of 676 games. Capped 21 times for Scotland Peter also played in Canada, South Africa and Israel, before finally hanging up his scorched boots in the mid 80’s.
1. Billy Bremner [1959–1976]
Billy Bremner was arguably one of the greatest all-round footballers the game has ever known. His technical ability matched with his fighting spirit made him one of the fiercest competitors. He was the main reason why Leeds United enjoyed so much success while he was wearing the armband.
An excellent defender and passer of the ball, he always knew where every one of his teammates were, at any point of the match and played the ball right to their feet. No slouch in front of goal either, he scored 114 times in his 16 years at Leeds.
Scotland recognised his skills in 1965 and made him captain in 1968 and he played 54 times for them. Football League Player of the Year in 1970, he was idolised by the Leeds fans and given grudging respect by everyone in football.
Bremner would remain an important player in Leeds’ squad even heading into the twilight of his career as he made 34 league appearances in his final full season with the club before his departure for Hull. A heart attack on Dec 7th 1997, sadly robbed the football world of one of its true legends. He’s honoured by a commemorative statue outside the Elland Road ground, which has become a shrine for Leeds fans worldwide.
Absolutely brilliant. They were all heroes.