Pillaged from Leeds United during their financial plight, Woodgate was a steal at £9 million. At Elland Road, he formed a formidable duo with Rio Ferdinand; at St James' Park, he was not blessed with a partner of such stature. To his credit though, Woodgate always seemed to raise the game of whoever was playing alongside him by providing excellent cover and showing genuine leadership in the middle of the back four. While not blessed with fantastic pace, Woodgate was always well positioned, calmly and quietly sweeping away any signs of trouble that came his way. Composed with the ball at his feet, the Middlesbrough native was also able to battle with the best of them, with one of his most-impressive displays came in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Marseille, when he tussled with a young Didier Drogba and held him in check at St James' Park. A move to Real Madrid for £13.4 million within 18 months tells you all you need to know about the quality of the player. Despite his time in Madrid not going quite to plan and injuries cruelly robbing Woodgate of more appearances for both club and country throughout his career, he remains the best centre-back that the club have had in the Premier League era - with only Coloccini coming close to matching him since. If Chancel Mbemba can combine his physical nature with Woodgate's positioning and footballing brain, Newcastle could have a star on their hands. CLICK HERE to read "12 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Chancel Mbemba".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to followWhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC contributor for whatculture.com/nufc.
University of Edinburgh graduate with a love of sport, in particular Newcastle United surprisingly enough. When I'm not shaking my head at Paul Dummett and Yoan Gouffran, I'm usually reading something or watching films of varying quality.
