# Eddy Gray Names His Greatest Leeds United XI of All Time: A Surprising Snub Shocks Fans
Leeds United’s golden era under Don Revie produced footballing immortals, but when club legend Eddie Gray—voted the third-greatest White ever—revealed his all-time 4-4-2 XI, it ignited fierce debate. Gray, the silky Scottish winger who dazzled Elland Road with 577 appearances and that iconic 1970 solo stunner against Burnley, opted for a blend of Revie’s revolutionaries and modern flair. Yet, one omission has left fans reeling: Peter Lorimer, the fiery Scottish forward who ranks among Leeds’ top scorers with 238 goals and three major trophies.
Gray’s justification? Lorimer’s raw power, while legendary, edges out to make room for explosive contemporary talent Raphinha in the attack. “Petey’s goals were thunderbolts, but Raphinha brings that electric Brazilian edge—dribbles, deliveries, and sheer unpredictability,” Gray told *Leeds Live*. The snub stings, given Lorimer’s role in the 1968 League Cup, 1969 First Division, and 1972 FA Cup triumphs. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) erupted: “Eddie, how do you leave out the wee man? That’s heresy!” one supporter posted.
Here’s Gray’s meticulously chosen XI, a nod to Leeds’ storied past with a forward-looking twist:
**Formation: 4-4-2**
– **GK: Nigel Martyn**
The unflappable shot-stopper from the 1992 title-winning side, edging out John Milburn for his coolness in high-stakes European ties.
– **RB: Paul Reaney**
Revie’s rock at right-back, a tackling machine who neutralized the era’s deadliest wingers across 750+ appearances.
– **CB: Jack Charlton**
Towering defender and 1966 World Cup hero, whose aerial dominance anchored the 1969 champions.
– **CB: Lucas Radebe**
The “Chief,” a South African colossus who brought grace and grit to the 1990s revival.
– **LB: Terry Cooper**
The original overlapping full-back, whose white-booted raids terrorized opponents in the Revie golden years.
– **RM: Jimmy Johnstone** (loan legend, 1966-67)
Celtic’s mazy maestro, whose brief Elland Road spell outshone many full-timers with pure wizardry.
– **CM: Billy Bremner**
The eternal captain, No.1 in fans’ hearts—fierce, visionary, and the heartbeat of every Leeds trophy.
– **CM: Gordon Strachan**
The ginger dynamo who skippered the 1992 champions, blending tenacity with tactical nous.
– **LM: Eddie Gray**
(Self-selected, naturally.) The artist himself, whose feints and finishes defined Leeds’ flair.
– **FW: Raphinha**
The modern inclusion: Barcelona’s £49m man (via Leeds) slots in with his curling crosses and predatory instincts from 2020-22.
– **FW: John Charles**
The “King,” a complete striker whose 157 goals and versatility make him untouchable at No.9.
This lineup evokes nostalgia while eyeing the future, but Lorimer’s absence feels like a betrayal to purists. As Gray quipped, “Tough calls make great teams.” Leeds fans, what’s your take—forgive the snub, or revolt?
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