Former Leeds United star Tony Dorigo has conceded that Gaetano Berardi surprised him with his performance against Derby County last weekend.

With Pontus Jansson out injured, Leeds played Berardi at the heart of defence alongside club captain Liam Cooper and the Swiss was majestic in Leeds’ 1-0 win at Pride Park.  

 



The 30-year-old did not put a foot wrong and kept Derby away from creating many clear cut chances to score with his defending and some last-ditch tackling.

Berardi started the season on a positive note before losing his place in the team and injuries have also played a part in limiting his opportunities in the starting eleven this year.
 


Dorigo admits that he felt the defender was off the pace during his appearances for the Under-23s recently, but insisted that he was pleasantly surprised to see the way he performed at Derby.



Speaking about Berardi, the former White told LUTV's preview show: “He has done really well.

“When he started the season, I thought wow he is magnificent, but then got left out, and then of course injuries.
 

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“I saw his comeback in the Under-23s and I thought he was a yard or two off the pace and physically I thought he would need a few games.

“But tell you what, he was fantastic and was rock solid alongside Cooper.”

Berardi has made just 13 appearances in the league this season but if Jansson remains unavailable tonight, he is again likely to start against Derby at Elland Road.