Leon Osman

Leon Osman

Osman playing for Everton in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Leon Osman [1]
Date of birth	(1981-05-17) 17 May 1981 (age 42) [1]
Place of birth	Wigan, England
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) [2]
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
1997–2000	Everton
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2000–2016	Everton	352	(43)
2002–2003	→ Carlisle United (loan)	12	(1)
2004	→ Derby County (loan)	17	(3)
Total		381	(47)
International career
1997–1998	England U16	5	(0)
2012–2013	England	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Leon Osman (born 17 May 1981) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent almost all of his career at Everton, making 433 appearances and scoring 57 goals. Earlier in his career he spent time on loan at Football League clubs Carlisle United and Derby County. Osman earned two international caps for the England national team, making his debut at the age of 31.

Early life

Osman was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, to a Turkish Cypriot father and a British mother, ^[3] and raised in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. ^[4] He attended Up Holland High School and Winstanley College. ^[5]

Club career

Early career and loans

Osman joined the Everton Academy as a boy,^{[ citation needed ]} and was part of the team that won the 1998 FA Youth Cup. ^[1] Following the cup victory, he sustained a knee injury which kept him from playing for a year. ^[6]

He was loaned to Carlisle United of the Third Division in October 2002,^{[ citation needed ]} making his first-team debut on the 5th by playing the full 90 minutes of a 2–1 home defeat to Torquay United. ^[7] He scored once for the team in a league fixture against Macclesfield Town on 19 October to ensure a 2–2 draw at Moss Rose, ^[8] and twice against Oldham Athletic in the Football League Trophy three days later in a 4–3 away victory. ^[9] On returning to Everton in January, he made his Premier League debut in a 4–3 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on 12 January 2003, replacing Li Tie in added time. ^[10] His only other Everton appearance of the season was his Goodison Park debut on 26 April, replacing Steve Watson at the end of a 2–1 win over Aston Villa. ^[11]

Osman was granted a one-year extension to his Everton contract in the summer of 2003, but failed to break into the first team until the end of the 2003–04 season.^{[ citation needed ]} Instead, he was again loaned out, this time to Derby County in the First Division. ^[12] He had an integral role in Derby's successful bid to avoid relegation, ^[13] and manager George Burley tried to buy him from Everton. ^[14] Instead, Osman returned to his parent club with three matches remaining in Everton's season.^{[ citation needed ]} Manager David Moyes gave Osman his first start on 1 May 2004 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he headed Everton into the lead within three minutes from a James McFadden cross, although they eventually lost 2–1. ^[15]

First-team breakthrough

Osman became a first-team regular in 2004–05, ^[13] playing on the right wing of a 4–1–4–1 formation.^{[ citation needed ]} He finished the season with seven goals including two in a match against Aston Villa. ^[16] In the 2005–06 season, Osman's place in the Everton's first team was challenged by the new signing Simon Davies. ^[17] However, Osman was able to establish himself as a first-team regular by 2006–07, a season in which made 37 appearances and scored three goals. ^[13]

His start to the 2007–08 season began with two goals in consecutive wins against Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur.^{[ citation needed ]} His appearance in the starting 11 for Everton was threatened by the arrival of South African loan-signing Steven Pienaar.^{[ citation needed ]} Osman scored his first goal in a UEFA competition on 25 October 2007, Everton's second in a 3–1 UEFA Cup group stage win over Greek club Larissa at Goodison Park. ^[18] His shot from 22 yards helped Everton to the top of the group and was voted Everton's Goal of the Season.^{[ citation needed ]} Osman scored both goals in Everton's 2–0 win over Fulham on the final day of the season to secure Everton 5th place in the Premier League for 2008–09.^{[ citation needed ]} At the end of the season, he started in the 2009 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, being replaced by Dan Gosling in the 82nd minute of the 2–1 defeat to Chelsea. ^[19]

Osman playing for Everton in 2011

The following season Osman captained Everton for the first time in a League Cup match away to Hull City scoring once in the 4–0 victory.^{[ citation needed ]} In April 2010, Osman was named man of the match in two consecutive matches.^{[ citation needed ]} He also ended the 2010–11 Premier League season with four goals. ^[20]

In March 2013, in a match against reigning champions Manchester City, Osman made his 300th Everton start.^{[ citation needed ]} A long-range goal scored in the match was his eighth of the season, a personal record,^{[ citation needed ]} and his 50th goal for the club. ^[21] In December, Osman also scored on his 300th Premier League appearance during a 4–1 win over Fulham. ^[22] Later in the same month he broke David Unsworth's Everton Premier League appearance record, reaching 303 appearances. ^[23] He featured in every league match in the 2013–14 season, the first under manager Roberto Martínez, the only Everton player to do so. ^[24] To mark his long service, a testimonial match against FC Porto was held as part of Everton's pre-season schedule for the 2014–15 season. ^[25]

On 6 November 2014, he signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Everton until the summer of 2016. ^[26] Later that day, he opened the scoring in Everton's 3–0 UEFA Europa League group stage win against Lille. ^[27] He scored on his 400th appearance for the club, netting the winner in a 2–1 victory over West Ham United ^[28] His contract expired at the end of 2015–16, and Osman was released by Everton. ^[29] He retired from playing soon after. ^[30]

International career

Osman represented England at U16 level in the 1997–98 season. ^[31] On 14 November 2012, at the age of 31, Osman earned his first senior call-up to the England squad for a friendly fixture against Sweden.^{[ citation needed ]} Osman started in central midfield for his country in a 4–2 defeat against Sweden, in which he played the full 90 minutes. ^[32] On 31 January 2013, Osman was named in the England squad for the second time for the friendly fixture against Brazil on 6 February 2013, though he was left on the substitutes' bench for the match. ^[33] Osman received his first competitive international call up after being named in the England squad on 14 March 2013 for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro. ^[34] Osman made his competitive England debut against San Marino. ^[35]

After football

Since retiring from football Osman has been a pundit for Sky Sports News, BT Sport, Amazon Prime and BBC Radio Five Live. ^[36]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Everton	2000–01 [37]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	2001–02 [38]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	2002–03 [39]	Premier League	2	0	—		0	0	—		2	0
	2003–04 [40]	Premier League	4	1	0	0	1	0	—		5	1
	2004–05 [41]	Premier League	29	6	3	1	3	0	—		35	7
	2005–06 [42]	Premier League	35	3	4	1	1	0	2 [lower-alpha 1]	0	42	4
	2006–07 [43]	Premier League	34	3	1	0	2	0	—		37	3
	2007–08 [44]	Premier League	28	4	0	0	4	1	7 [lower-alpha 2]	2	39	7
	2008–09 [45]	Premier League	34	6	6	1	1	0	2 [lower-alpha 2]	0	43	7
	2009–10 [46]	Premier League	26	2	1	1	1	1	7 [lower-alpha 3]	0	35	4
	2010–11 [47]	Premier League	26	4	3	0	2	1	—		31	5
	2011–12 [48]	Premier League	30	4 [lower-alpha 4]	3	0	1	0	—		34	4
	2012–13 [49]	Premier League	36	5	5	2	1	1	—		42	8
	2013–14 [50]	Premier League	38	3	4	0	1	0	—		43	3
	2014–15 [51]	Premier League	21	2	0	0	1	0	7 [lower-alpha 3]	1	29	3
	2015–16 [52]	Premier League	9	0	2	0	5	1	—		16	1
	Total		352	43	32	6	24	5	25	3	433	57
Carlisle United (loan)	2002–03 [39]	Third Division	12	1	—		—		3 [lower-alpha 5]	2	15	3
Derby County (loan)	2003–04 [40]	First Division	17	3	—		—		—		17	3
Career total			381	47	32	6	24	5	28	5	465	63

1. One appearance in UEFA Champions League, one in UEFA Cup
2. Appearances in UEFA Cup
3. Appearances in UEFA Europa League
4. The Premier League credits Osman with five goals in 2011–12, including one against West Bromwich Albion that other sources attribute to a Gareth McAuley own goal.
5. Appearances in Football League Trophy

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year ^[53]

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
England	2012	1	0
	2013	1	0
Total		2	0

Honours

Everton Youth

• FA Youth Cup: 1997–98 ^[54]

Everton

• FA Cup runner-up: 2008–09 ^[55]

Individual

• Everton Goal of the Season: 2007–08 ^{[ citation needed ]}

References

1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 323. ISBN   978-1-84596-601-0.
2. "Leon Osman: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
3. "Osman becomes first Turk to be named in British squad". Hürriyet Daily News . 9 November 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
4. Taylor, Louise (26 September 2004). "Local boy Osman makes the grade". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
5. Barton, Laura (23 November 2009). "Lady Ashton went to my school". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
6. "Porto chosen for Osman testimonial". Eurosport. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
7. "Carlisle 1–2 Torquay". BBC Sport. 7 October 2002. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
8. "Macclesfield 2–2 Carlisle". BBC Sport. 19 October 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
9. "Oldham 3–4 Carlisle". BBC Sport. 22 October 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
10. "Keane inspires Tottenham". BBC Sport. 12 January 2003. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
11. "Rooney strike stuns Villa". BBC Sport. 26 April 2003. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
12. "Rams extend Osman loan stay". BBC Sport. 22 March 2004. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
13. "Osman impresses Burley". Everton F.C. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
14. "Burley not to make a fresh Osman bid". Burton Mail. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
15. "Wolves 2–1 Everton". BBC Sport. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
16. "Aston Villa 1–3 Everton". ESPN FC. 26 February 2005. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013.
17. Prentice, David (8 July 2005). "Osman relishes new battle; Everton star knows signings would increase fight for places". Liverpool Echo. MGN Ltd. Retrieved 5 November 2023– via TheFreeLibrary.
18. "Cahill's return has Everton fizzing again". The Guardian. London. 25 October 2007.
19. Bevan, Chris (30 May 2009). "Chelsea 2–1 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
20. "Sports Keeda – Leon Osman". Sports Keeda. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
21. "Goal That Appears To Defy Physics May Have Ended Manchester City's Title Hopes". Business Insider. 16 March 2013.
22. "Everton too strong for Fulham". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
23. "Leon Osman urges Everton to target a top four finish and Champions League qualification". Sky Sports. 8 April 2014.
24. "Leon Osman says he has flourished thanks to Martinez's careful selection policy". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
25. "Premier League: Leon Osman granted testimonial for long service to Everton". Sky Sports. 8 April 2014.
26. "Leon Osman: Everton midfielder agrees one-year contract extension". BBC Sport. 6 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
27. Hunter, Andy (6 November 2014). "Leon Osman marks new deal with a goal as Everton cruise to win over Lille". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
28. "West Ham United vs Everton 1:2 16/05/2015". rowdie.co.uk. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
29. "Trio included on released list". Everton F.C. 10 June 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
30. Walsh, David (15 January 2017). "Retirement was like losing a sick loved one – A relief in the end" . The Times. London. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
31. "Profile of Leon Osman". The Football Association. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
32. "Sweden 4–2 England". BBC Sport. 15 November 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
33. "England 2–1 Brazil". BBC Sport. 6 February 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
34. "Hodgson names England squad for World Cup 2014 qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro – Rio Ferdinand returns". ITV. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
35. "San Marino 0–8 England". BBC Sport. 23 March 2013.
36. "Leon Osman". 12 December 2017.
37. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
38. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
39. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
40. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
41. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
42. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
43. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
44. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
    Stevenson, Jonathan (4 October 2007). "FC Metalist 2–3 Everton (agg 3–4)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
45. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
46. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
47. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
48. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
49. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
50. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
51. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
52. "Games played by Leon Osman in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
53. "Osman, Leon". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
54. "Blackburn Rovers 1–3 Everton". ToffeeWeb. 1 May 1998. Archived from the original on 22 June 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
55. Bevan, Chris (30 May 2009). "Chelsea 2–1 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2021.

External links

• Leon Osman at Soccerbase