An expert in defence – Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate had been one of the strongest defenders in English football for the last two decades. He was very good in the air and was making great tackles. Woodgate was born to be the team’s leader with his passion and good skills on the pitch.

The English defender started his career at Leeds United in 1998. He was part of the team, which reached the semi-finals in The UEFA Cup (1999/2000). Then, he took part in 5 games in Leeds United’s campaign in the Champions League, when The Peacocks lost in the semi-final matches to Valencia.

Woodgate proved his qualities at Leeds United and deserved his first appearance for The Three Lions in 1999. He made his debut for England in the European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria (1-1), but couldn’t secure his place in the squad for the Euro 2000.

After Leeds United relegated in 2003, Woodgate continued his professional career in Newcastle United. But, his period there was short due to injuries. Woodgate impressed in The UEFA Cup’s semi-final against Marseille, keeping Didier Drogba quiet, but shortly after his brilliant performance he received an injury and finished the season sidelined.

The defender spent two seasons at St. James’ Park, when he received an offer from the Spanish giant Real Madrid. You have to be insane to refuse such an offer. So, Jonathan head to Madrid.

However, he took part in only 14 matches for Los Blancos and scored once in The Champions League.

Then, Woodgate returned to The Premier League. Middlesbrough paid € 8.4 m. for the defender. Jonathan played two seasons at The Riverside Stadium, before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur.
At White Hart Lane, the defender won his only trophy – The Capital One cup (season 2007-2008). Jonathan Woodgate scored 3 goals in 63 games for Spurs in all competitions.

During his period at Tottenham, Woodgate reached the number of 8 caps for England, but he couldn’t maintain his place in the squad of The Three Lions.

In 2011, he left for Stoke City, but managed to play in only 21 matches for The Potters, without scoring a single goal for Stoke. Just a season later, Woodgate returned to his favourite Middlesbrough in The Championship. He is still part of the team, but at his age of 36 is a backup member of the team. Will we see Woodgate playing in The Premier League again? We will have to wait for the next season.