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Dominic Matteo was associated with Liverpool at all levels for nearly
16 years, playing in a variety of defensive roles. Primarily a left-back,
he improved his consistency at Anfield and was establishing himself as
a fixture in the side through the 1999-2000 season, despite some rumours
of an impending move to Celtic.
At the start of the 2000-01 season, the impending arrival of Christian
Ziege and an injury kept him on the edges of the Liverpool set-up, and
when Leeds came in for him, he decided to take his chances and move.
The transfer nearly didn't go ahead: with the Champions League deadline
pressing, a medical showed up some further problems with his knee, but
DOL was convinced he wanted the player, and - fortunately as it turned out -
Peter Ridsdale sanctioned the move despite the injury.
With Harry Kewell, Jason Wilcox and Stephen McPhail all picking up
injuries, Matteo found himself catapulted into the starting line-up,
primarily playing on the left side of midfield, and has made a solid
start to his Leeds career. With further injuries to the defence, he
spent most of the second half of 2000-01 doing an excellent job at the
centre of the defence.
In 2001-02, Jon Woodgate was still not ready to play and Lucas
Radebe was a long-term injury victim, so Dom continued to prop up the
centre of the defence with Rio Ferdinand, doing a great job and being
a major reason for the success of the side in the early part of the
season. Although he continues to suffer from the odd injury, he's not
missed many games and could be used as an alternative to Ian Harte at
left back with the latter's loss of form. Having declared himself for
Scotland after playing for England at Youth, 'B' and U21 levels, he
did well in their World Cup qualifiers, but from a selfish Leeds point
of view it was good that they failed to qualify as it means that Dom
had all summer to finally shake off those injuries and get himself
right for next season.
Summer 2002 saw Rio depart to Old Trafford and Dom was made club
captain in his place and we're expecting him to play a key role at
centreback alongside Jon Woodgate or Lucas Radebe in El Tel's
team. A long-term knee injury has kept him out for much of the
season - allowing him the odd comeback but then breaking down
again, and something serious needs to be done if he is to complete
a season at Elland Road. Bearing in mind the state of his knees
he as announced his retirement from international football to
avoid placing too much stress on some very fragile joints.
An op at the end of the 2003 season meant that he wasn't quite
ready for a full pre-season programme, and although he played for all
but 5 minutes of the two games in Ireland it looked as if he was still
a little short of match fitness, but the current problems at the club
mean he will almost certainly be pressed into full-time service from
the start.
Lily says: I think Matteo is a nice guy and good player. I hope he
can back to play asap.
Dominic Stubbs says: My Daddy saw Dominic Matteo after the
Leicester game. He was very kind and autographed a programme for
me. He has the same first name as me. I think he's a good football
player.
Nelleke from Holland says: He is a nice guy, and I was so upset
when they lost from PSV, I thought it was an own goal by Dominic, so
that's very sad for him and for the fans. But he's still a very good
player. Lots of love
Lisa says: I met Dom last week, nice guy, great company. Keep it
real mate! You got my support even though I am a Liverpool
supporter!! x
gemz says: Dom Matteo is georgous, i saw in Ibiza recently in june
2002, he is a class player and is so fit luv gemz
Dave Clark says: I might be mistaken about this, but I'm fairly
sure he played twice for England in friendlies, under Hoddle. Because
these aren't competitive players can still choose another
country. When Ericsson asked him to play for England, he said he'd
prefer Scotland and this alerted Craig Brown.
Neil Whyler says: On Monday (3-3-2003)me and my friend met Dom at
the petrol station in Boston Spa near the training ground. Dom was
filling up his car at the time and paid no attention to his car whilst
signing my work pad for us Cheers Dom Top Bloke and one hell of a
defender
leeds fan thru & thru says: I just wanted to say he is the best
central defender in the league. he gives his all, when he's not
injured! i hate it when people slag him off, coz by the sounds of it,
hes a proper gentleman.
toddy says: i want 2 go 2 sum european games i want u and the rest
of the gang like smiffy and lucas 2 make tht possible tel viduka nt 2
leave we need him even tho bridgy is fit agen
ashlee says: dom is a gr8 guy,leeds are lucky 2 have him!
mrs lufc says: dom rules all and is the sweetest ever. Rio
Ferdinand cleans Dom's car with his ttobrush, or should i say
pipe. DOM ROOLS ALL and is Gorgeous
blgoc says: i love dom. hes so fit and a class player
batesy says: i love dom 2 pieces great captain n one fit player!
**sarah** says: dom, well done!! u show great confidence in leeds
and if i was on the team i'm sure i would look up 2 u as a captain! U
show the talent and the efforts that you make well and ur a leeds lad
all the way!
heather says: dom your a great player and captian. we all love you
cos you give your all every match.
Theresa Matteo says: My name Theresa Matteo and I am very
interested in speaking to Dominic Matteo to find out if possible we
could be relatives. My father's name is also Dominic A. Matteo. We
are planning our first family reunion this August and I would really
like to known a little more about him. He really resembles a few
family members. If you can help, it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Mark says: Gutted - what more can anyone say leeds is going to go
under!!
lufc fan says: good luck dom, were sad to see you go, you were a
brilliant captain and we'll never forgot you.you're welcome back
anytime. we'll miss you.
Ste says: Was glad when we got you Dom, always rated you, good luck
at Dodgy Blackburn. Your a good player and a decent man - SUPER LEEDS!
p.s Dom watch out for Theresa Matteo she sounds abit doo lalley!
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