The greatest goals never scored: David Batty, Leeds vs Arsenal, 1999

David Batty didn’t play football to score goals. David Batty played football to make things easier for his team-mates and tougher for his opponents.

Goals, just like the fame and attention which comes with being a title winner and England international, weren’t for him.

In over 600 career appearances for club and country, Batty scored nine times. When talk turned to Batty during an interview with Robbie Elliott, his former Newcastle team-mate remarked: “How he didn’t score more goals given his ability with his left and right foot is incredible.”

Due to his reputation, whenever Batty did score, it was usually worth the wait – no matter whether the goal was spectacular or not. Cries of “shooooooot” came from the terraces every time he ventured into the opposition half, and pandemonium followed on the rare occasions he listened to the advice and managed to put the ball in the back of the net.

Appearing on the Quickly Kevin, Will He Score? podcast – named in a roundabout way in Batty’s honour – Tony Dorigo recalled how his maiden goal for Leeds United was overshadowed by the midfielder’s first goal in four years.

“The first goal that I scored for Leeds was at Elland Road against Manchester City,” Dorigo said. “The ball came out from a corner, it bounced, and I’ve half-volleyed it, pinged it, right into the top corner. It was a very good goal and I was delighted.

“A few minutes later Batty scores. Oh. My. God. It was like an earthquake, the noise. It was a shitty tap in, doesn’t matter, mine was forgotten. You felt the warmth for David Batty. Fantastic.”

Batty’s four goals for Leeds United all came in his first spell at the club. While his return to West Yorkshire brought with it the experience of losing a Champions League