David Batty

David Batty was a formidable English midfielder, renowned for his tough tackling, relentless work rate, and "side before self" attitude. A cult hero at Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United, he was a key anchor in the midfield, protecting the defence and distributing the ball simply but effectively. A private individual who shunned the limelight, Batty embodied the old-school "hardman" footballer archetype.