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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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