Leitao Buries Potters

By Neil Ravenscroft
November 3 2002

In the reaction to Saturday's game against Stoke, Neil Ravenscroft wonders just how good our Portuguese Striker, Jorge Leitao, can get.

Three points are always a relief, especially with our recent home record, but let's face it, 4 - 2 at home to Stoke is rapidly becoming traditional!

Ward. Very pleased with his full debut, as I admit I was worried beforehand. Was unlucky with their first goal, as the TV replays suggest he was fouled. The defence (especially Bazeley and Hay) need to remember he's left footed! 7
Bazeley. His least effective game for us, but kept to his task well. 6
Aranalde. Came close to MoM, as he was good going forward, defended well and can take a penalty! 8
Hay and Roper. Would have headed away the kitchen sink, and, with Stoke's tactics, thought they'd have to. 7 each.
Wrack. Solid in defence, also gave them some problems at the back. 7 (Would have been 8, if he hadn't given their second away).
Simpson and Sonner. After I said they couldn't play together, they did. 7
Corica. Like Tuesday, a mixture of 2 and 10! The good bits were magical, so I'll give him 7.
Junior. Getting better every game. 7
Matias (sub). Looked dangerous, without much time to show what he can do. 6
Zdrillic. Still looks the class act. Terrified their defence when he ran at them. 7
Barras. No score, as I can't remember him touching the ball! Right tactics to bring him on, though.
Man of the Match is easy though. Jorge Leitao 9.

When we aquired his services for £150,000, we thought we might have something special, given our spending record, and we might be right!

Good in the air, two good feet, knows where the goals are. Intelligent (note he had the sense to complete his degree before turning pro), he was still a rookie in football terms when we signed him. That decision by Ray Graydon is beginning to look like a superb one. He is, I believe, close to being the perfect centre forward at this level and, maybe, at a higher one.

On Championship Manager 00/01, if you take Walsall on, he ends up worth £1.5 to 2 million. Do they know more than we do?