In a new series at Everything Orient, we take a look at a player from the past and compare them to a player from the current Leyton Orient side. In this edition, it's Ekpiteta or Zakuani.
Both of these players played at Orient at a young age and had a centre back partner that was older than them to help them out. Zakuani had Mackie whilst Ekpiteta has Coulson. But both of them were one of the first names on the team sheet. But who was the better centre back?
Since arriving last January, he was initially signed on a contract that would see him immediately loaned back to East Thurrock after we signed him. But his loan was cut short as injuries plagued the O's at the back end of the season, so he made his debut in 12 minute cameo in a 1-0 lost to Dover. His first start for the club was away to Macclesfield in a 1-1 draw, since then he has played in every game for Orient apart from the opening game of this season.
During his time with the O's, he's helped the team to eight clean sheets in 22 games and scored in three games. Since stepping into the team this season he has been receiving plaudits from many fans and pundits. In addition to this, he's won the National League Player of the Month award in September and was called up to the England C squad, finishing his debut with a clean sheet.
Zakuani, on the other hand, started his career at Orient and made his debut against Bournemouth at just 16 in 2003. It took him a season to become first choice for Orient but he was vital to Orient in 2004/05 season.
Furthermore, he was outstanding during the promotion season of 2005/06 in which he helped the team to 13 clean sheets in 43 games, whilst contributing a single goal to the cause. His overall stats for Orient was 17 clean sheets in 76 games, scoring three.
Unfortunately for Orient he left us to go to Fulham in a one million pound deal after we got promoted to League One and has since enjoyed spells with Peterborough, Northampton and now Gillingham.
Obviously there is a difference in what league both of these players were playing for Orient, but it is only by one league. Both had older players by their side. Both were young and learning the game and making mistakes.
But, in my opinion, I think Ekpiteta will turn out to be the better player. He looks like he could be a future Orient captain, and he is able to travel with the ball and feels confident to find the right pass.
He's also chipped in with three goals, the same amount Zakuani amassed in his Orient career. Let’s just hope when we get promoted at the end of the season, that a big club doesn’t come calling and snap up this brilliant prospect we have.
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