Much to the delight of Leeds fans everywhere, the
improvements that have occurred during Brian McDermott’s reign at the helm of
our club are starting to become apparent. With clear changes to transfer policy
and style of play, as well as signs of infrastructural development being
implemented, it is without doubt that McDermott is starting to get the best out
of the squad as whole, but particularly certain individuals. In the months he’s
had as boss at the club, performances and attitudes from players such as Jason
Pearce and Ross McCormack have notably improved, but none more so than our new
club captain Rodolph Austin.
Seeing a proposed move to Stoke City fall through due to
problems with a work permit in 2008, Austin signed for Norwegian outfit SK
Brann, making 90 appearances and scoring 15 goals over a number of seasons.
Once again, Rudy’s career seemed destined for English football, and he was
initially taken on trial at QPR by Neil Warnock. A subsequent bid was made, and
rejected, by Brann. However, Warnock got his man the following season, signing him
at Leeds in July 2012. The decision to swap the Norwegian league for Leeds was
made upon recommendation from midfield colleague and Leeds United legend Eirik
Bakke while playing together at SK Brann. It is understood that Bakke was
influential in the decision to come to Elland Rd, and interviews suggest that
he has never looked back.
Known as ‘The Beast’ by players and fans alike due to his
physical intensity on the pitch, Austin has undoubtedly become one of our key
players. He has become an ever-present fixture in our midfield, rising to the
top of the pecking order in a saturated area of the squad, and McDermott seems
to have decided on his first choice midfield: a midfield that is based around
the hard-hitting Jamaican. However, this has not always appeared to be the
case, with certain criticisms being made during Austin’s first season in
English football. Often adopting the role of holding midfielder, Austin’s
discipline was called into question by some, with clumsy challenges adding up
to costly suspensions, including a red card at home to Brighton last season,
resulting in a home defeat. Furthermore, on returning from cracking his ankle
bone during the humiliating 6-1 home defeat to an impressiveWatford side, many
questioned his overall fitness, appearing a little on the heavy side for both
his first touch and his weight. Although this may be down to his reintroduction
into a side desperate for form before he was totally match fit, a criticism of
the manager not the player, the fact still remained that Rudy did not seem prepared
for the intensity of the inevitable crescendo that comes at the end of each Championship
season.
Having said this, Austin seems a new player this season. To
say that Rudy has countered criticism with his performances is an
understatement; his defensive play and work ethic are extremely impressive and
a number of top performances have not gone unnoticed, winning Man of the Match
in a gritty 0-0 away performance at Leicester. In reference to the harsh
criticisms on his overall fitness, Austin now looks in his physical peak, and
at 28 his best years are still arguably ahead of him. In addition to this, his
skill on the ball has improved remarkably as well. At times during last season,
watching Leeds build an attack from the midfield was a painful process, yet
Austin has seemed to adapt from Warnock’s ‘hoof ball’ tactics to McDermott’s
passing game with ease and grace, as have his midfield colleagues. With this in
mind, his on-field performances have impressed the fans and silenced his
critics.
It is also pleasing to note that his off field presence has
clearly developed, and his appointment as club captain has received total
support from the players and fans alike, including former captain Lee Peltier.
Although many would struggle to find a criticism of Peltier’s captaincy, it
goes without saying that the captain should be the first name on the team sheet,
and with the emergence of boy-wonder Sam Byram at right back, Lee was finding
himself on the bench all too often to continue to be the captain. With this in
mind, a change in leadership was necessary, and Austin has filled the void
effortlessly. It is also worth mentioning that he is under no disillusions
about how honoured he should be to join the list of legends that have been
fortunate enough to captain Leeds United, taking his place alongside revered
figures such as Billy Bremner, Gordon Strachan and Lucas Radebe. Speaking after
his appointment, he was quick to point out how much pride he felt to be named
captain, confirming that it was a role that he would not be taking lightly.
With so much tactical deliberation for Brian McDermott and
his staff to mull over, it must be with great relief that, in Austin, we now
have both a captain and the focal point of the all-important midfield
settled. Austin is the engine of
McDermott’s ever-improving outfit, and although he may not be attracting all
the attention through transfer speculation or scoring the goals that we so
desperately desire, his consistency and understated performances are just what
is required of him. Quietly getting on with his business without so much as a
hint of arrogance, Austin will be integral to any success we may have, and it
is a delight to see our unsung hero starting to put in the performances to
match his desire and will to win. Long may it continue.
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