Greatest Players No 38 - Alan Smith

[Beefy]

Alan Smith (1998-2004)

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Scored with his first touch in senior football as Leeds beat Liverpool in November 1998, going on to to establish himself as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's first choice striking partner for the rest of that season. Smith coupled a deadly eye for goal with a real aggression, unusual in one so slight of stature. Smith gained excellent experience during Leeds' successful Champions League run during the 2000/01 season, the return of 11 Premiership goals was the best of his career. He made his England debut in 2001. His disciplinary record continued to haunt him the next season, as he picked up a total of three red cards and 12 yellow in all competitions. And a return of just three Premiership goals was far from impressive. The 2003/04 season was a huge one for Smith, he remained a shining light in a dismal Leeds team and was an inspiration. Smith scored 56 goals in a total of 228 games before leaving for Man U.