Former Leeds United stalwart Lucas Radebe has revealed that Jonathan Woodgate was his favourite defensive partner during his time with the Whites.
The South African centre-back made more than 200 appearances for the Yorkshire club in a spell that lasted more than a decade.
Radebe joined from Kaiser Chiefs in 1994 and took a little while to establish himself at Elland Road but became a mainstay in the first team in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The 51-year-old had a number of partners in central defense in that time but it appears Woodgate stands out from the rest.
Asked who his favourite defensive partner was, Radebe told the club website: "That's a good question because you need to get along and forge an understanding, in terms of organisation at the back.
"I think Woodgate for me, having stepped up to the first team, he wanted to learn and he was a different player to me. He was young, he had pace so I could let him do the work and that allowed me to look from behind."
A product of the Yorkshire club's academy system, Woodgate made his debut in 1998 and quickly established himself in the first team.
The central defender went on to make 128 appearances for the Whites before joining Newcastle United in 2003.
Spells at Real Madrid, Middlesbrough, Tottenham, and Stoke City would follow, while the 40-year-old also earned eight England caps.
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The Verdict
Radebe played alongside numerous Whites defenders during more than a decade with the club, so it is interesting to hear that Woodgate stands out as his favourite and Leeds fans will no doubt look back on their partnership very fondly.
The Yorkshire club have got something of a conundrum at the position this summer, with Ben White set to return to his parent club Brighton and having been linked with some top Premier League clubs.
You'd imagine they'd love to be able to bring the likes of Radebe and Woodgate back, particularly if they do secure promotion to the Premier League this term.