Legendary former Leeds United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has claimed one of his former teammates was better than Alan Shearer at the peak of their powers.
Nigel Martyn was a crucial part of the last Leeds team that challenged for both domestic and continental honours in the early 2000s.
Leeds challenged at the top end of the Premier League for several years under former manager David O’Leary, as the Whites assembled an all-star squad.
However, Leeds descended into financial oblivion in that era, as expensive signings such as Seth Johnson failed to live up to expectations at Elland Road.
Now, Martyn has claimed that one of the most influential Leeds players from that era is one of the best strikers he has ever seen, as he named his dream XI.
Which former Leeds player would you have back, if you could pick one? Raphinha surely has to be up there💎
Nigel Martyn praises influential Leeds United striker
Speaking in the official matchday programme ahead of Leeds’ meeting with Crystal Palace, Martyn was asked to name his dream XI.
While several Leeds players make it into his selection, Martyn was full of praise for prolific centre forward Mark Viduka when naming his team.
According to Martyn, Viduka was a better striker than Shearer at his pomp, as he consistently found the net for the Whites.
Martyn said: “Back to the goal, the best striker I think I have ever seen, and I would include Alan Shearer in that. His hold-up play was incredible. He was a physical specimen.
Where does Mark Viduka rank in Leeds’ greatest PL strikers? 🦘
The Australian scored some brilliant goals for the club
“For me, it was a joy because I used to just roll the ball out and aim for that big head of his. All he would do is just back into the centre-half a little bit. We didn’t overcomplicate it! He was just such a great target man.”
Several Leeds United legends make Nigel Martyn’s dream team
Viduka was not the only former Leeds man to make Martyn’s dream team, which also featured several who played alongside him at Crystal Palace.
Ever-reliable right back Gary Kelly features in the defence alongside legendary former Leeds captain Lucas Radebe, who edged out the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Jonathan Woodgate.
The other two Leeds representatives are in the midfield as iconic Leeds academy product David Batty lines up alongside free-scoring midfielder, Lee Bowyer.
Martyn also named former Leeds manager George Graham as the head coach of this team, as he praised his focus on defence.
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