Teammates Hail Jonathon Woodgate

By Matthew Jones
August 15 2003

Gary Speed and Shay Given speak about teammate, Jonathon Woodgate. They both praise his performance this week in the Champions League Qualifier, with Speed adding that Woodgate is the best defender he has ever played with.

Jonathon Woodgate was outstanding against Partizan Belgrade this week and has recieved praise from several of his Magpies' teammates.

Gary Speed said that Woodgate is the best defender he has ever played with.

Speed said: "He was outstanding. Every game I've seen him in he has played brilliantly.

"He's one of those players who, if you don't watch him every week, you don't realise how good he is.

"I've been in the game a long time and Woody's probably the best centre-half I've played alongside."

Shay Given also said, "Jonathan was fantastic in front of me. He was really superb and reads the game so well.

"Even at £9 million he looks as though he is going to be a real bargain."

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