Why I rate Middlesbrough great as one of the toughest defenders I played against.

When asked about the toughest defenders he’s faced, Clinton Morrison quickly thinks of Jonathan Woodgate.

When Clinton Morrison recalls his career and the numerous outstanding defenders he faced, several obvious names come to mind.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry dominated the era of Irish international football. The pair routinely competed for club accolades while playing together in the heart of England’s defence.

However, the former Crystal Palace and Birmingham City striker, who scored 15 Premier League goals in his career, quickly thinks of Teessider Jonathan Woodgate when asked about the most difficult opponent he encountered. Morrison told freebets.com:

“When I checked the opposition team sheet and saw Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, I knew I was in for a difficult afternoon, but I’d also throw in Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King.”They are the four, I would say.

When you see those four and realise you’re up against them, you know it’s going to be a tough fight.”Woodgate was unfortunate with injuries, and while he had a terrific career, it could have been so much more, as did Ledley King’s.

“Woodgate would defend as if his life depended on it, and he was deceptively quick over the ground, comfortable in possession, could head it, was gutsy, and a natural defender.

“Rio was fluid on the ball and read the game perfectly. But Jonathan Woodgate would be all over you, touch tight and never give you space, which was his job.”

Woodgate, a native Teessider, began his career in Leeds United’s youth academy before moving on to Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Tottenham.

However, he had two separate playing spells at his beloved Boro, during which he made 113 appearances, as well as two separate coaching spells.

Following his playing career, Woodgate became a coach at Boro until taking over as head coach after Tony Pulis left in 2019.

Though that ended in less than a year, Woodgate shown his humility and love for the club by returning in 2023 to serve as Michael Carrick’s assistant, a position he held until Carrick’s departure in the summer, at which point Woodgate also left.

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