Ian Harte names £6m Leeds United signing as the best he’s ever played with, says he was ‘unbelievable’

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Ian Harte has named a fellow Leeds United legend who was signed for just £6m as one of the best players he’s ever lined up alongside.

Retired defender Ian Harte enjoyed an illustrious career that stretched for over two decades and saw him come up against some of the game’s best-ever players.

The Irishman moved to Leeds United when he was just 16 and would go on to become one of their most important players as the club reached the Champions League semi-finals.

As well as Leeds’ European exploits, Harte also played in Spain with Levante so has been able to play against legendary figures like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

Yet, his former Leeds teammate Mark Viduka still gets praised in the same breath as those iconic legends.

Ian Harte full of praise for Leeds United legend Mark Viduka

Speaking to OnlyLeedsBros, Harte was asked who his favourite Leeds player was. After discussing some of the game’s greats he played against and alongside, it was Viduka and fellow Aussie Harry Kewell who got named.

Harte said: “The best player I’ve… I’ve been lucky enough to play against some unbelievable players.

“I probably have to say Zidane or the original Ronaldo, playing against them was pretty special. To be honest, playing against Real Madrid when I was at Leeds and I played with Levante when I went out to Spain but the players I’ve played with, it’s hard to pick one.

“Roy Keane was unbelievable. I know for Leeds people me to mention Roy Keane, United…

“Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell on their day as well were top, top players.

“Viduka’s one game that stands out for me was the game against Liverpool, unfortunately, Patrik Berger did his cruciate, but Viduk scored the four goals and we won 4-3. That was a special game.”

Leeds signed Viduka from Celtic in 2000 for a deal worth around £6m and he went on to score 72 goals in 166 games.

Ian Harte makes Leeds United Championship title prediction this season

Leeds are enjoying a fine season in the Championship and currently sit at the top of the table as they bid to finally return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke has created one of the best squads in the entire division with attacking options every other manager must envy.

There is still stiff competition for the title from Burnley and Sheffield United, with Leeds facing off against their Yorkshire rivals in a massive fixture this coming Monday.

However, Harte is delighted with the improvements made this season and thinks his club can claim the title.

He added: “If I’m being honest I think it’s a better team this year than it was last year.

“I think there was individuals last year you had [Georginio] Rutter, Archie [Gray] and [Crysencio] Summerville great individual talents.

“But I think Daniel has got them playing unbelievable football and a better team unit this year. Hopefully, I think they’ll go on and win the league.”