A fan’s favourite and almost certainly one of Uwe Rosler’s first names on his team sheet, Charlie Taylor is Leeds’ Mr Reliable. What is it that makes him so?
Taylor had made only a handful of appearances for Leeds before being sent out on loan on numerous occasions. One of these loan spells included a very successful period with Fleetwood Town which ended in promotion from League 2 via the play-offs.
Taylor was included in United’s squad for the 2014-15 season but it wasn’t until an injury to left-back Stephen Warnock in late December that Taylor got his chance in the first team. Warnock was sold to Derby County only a few weeks later, which allowed Taylor to fully cement his place in the team. He had a number of good performances at left-back until then manager Neil Redfearn decided to move him to a more attacking role as a winger. His performances didn’t falter one bit in his new role and he finished the season in fine form.
Since the start of this season, new manager Uwe Rosler has moved Taylor back to his more familiar position at left-back which has seen him become one of Leeds’ stand-out performers so far. He has played every minute in the league and nothing has seemed to phase the 21-year-old so far. Rosler has praised his work ethic, recently describing him as “a machine”.
Leeds have had a decent start to the season, still unbeaten after six games with one win and five draws. Taylor’s solid performances are no doubt a key factor in the team still being unbeaten and they will need him in fine form if they are to keep progressing and can start to turn one point into three each game.
Taylor has many attributes, those to be envied by other player’s in his position. His pace makes it very hard for wingers to get past him, while United also utilise it in attack. His reading of the game is excellent, always seeming to be in the right place having made more interceptions (18) than any other left-back in the league. His positioning also proved vital many times this season, having made numerous blocks, clearances and last ditch tackles in pivotal moments of matches. But Taylor isn’t by any means perfect. Sometimes, while on the ball, his decision-making can be poor, which leads to some sloppy passes going astray, something he will get better at as he matures.
His good performances have been recognised by the fans. He was recently voted second in the club’s August player of the month competition, losing out to captain Sol Bamba, who himself has been fantastic since the start of the season. He has also gained an admirer from one of the club’s great players in his position, Ian Harte, who recently tweeted “Charlie Taylor is a great left-back and wish him all the best through his career”.
It seems as though with every match Taylor is getting better and developing into a more accomplished player. The young full-back turns 22 this Friday, and with so many years ahead of him there is no reason why he couldn’t become Leeds’ Mr Reliable over the next few seasons and help the club finally gain promotion.
Main Photo
