Jonathan Woodgate
He scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the 4-1
UEFA Champions League defeat of
Rosenborg B.K. on 19 October 2005, his first appearance for the club in European competition.
As of February 2006, Woodgate had established himself as a first-team player, with the other centre half position alongside him often rotating among the likes of
Sergio Ramos,
Ivan Helguera,
Francisco Pavon and
Alvaro Mejia, with one Spanish newspaper even having described him as having "become Madrid's true leader". However, further injury setbacks again stopped him playing. He had been considered to have an outside chance of making the
England squad for
Germany 2006, but due to surgery on his back was not named in the squad.
He is currently recouperating at his former club
Leeds United's training ground
Thorpe Arch with rumours circulating that he may have a loan period at the club until he is fully match fit. Woodgate also says he is still a Leeds United fan and watched his former team in their play-off final match against
Watford F.C..
Woodgate is still frequently linked to a full time return to the premiership with Newcastle United, who it is rumoured have a first refusal on any sale.
#
Real nightmare for Woodgate debut.
BBC News Online. Friday
September 23 2005.#
Madrid fightback flattens Rosenborg.
UEFA.com. Wednesday
October 19 2005.#Lowe, Sid.
Willing Woodgate emerges as a leader of Real quality. "
The Guardian". Saturday
February 18 2006.
