When Rio Ferdinand switched from West Ham United to Leeds United in 2000, it was certainly a transfer that hogged the headlines and the column inches.

After all, the Elland Road outfit agreed to pay a British-record £18m for the centre-back, which eclipsed the £15m that Newcastle United had shelled out four years earlier to secure Alan Shearer's services. The move also trumped the £10.75m that Manchester United had forked out for Jaap Stam in 1998, making Ferdinand the world's costliest defender.

He went on to become a key player during his 18-month stint with the Whites, whom he captained and helped to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League before he departed for rivals Manchester United, again for a record £30m.

However, when Ferdinand reflects on his time as a Leeds player, he will probably want to forget his debut, which took place at Leicester City's Filbert Street 15 years ago today.

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The 22-year-old slotted straight into a three-man defence alongside included Jonathan Woodgate and Lucas Radebe, both of whom - like Ferdinand - were regarded to be at the top of their trade. Yet, inside the opening 29 minutes in the East Midlands, Leeds had conceded three headed goals.

The first came in the eighth minute when Darren Eadie's swerving shot caught out Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who could only parry the ball into the path of Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage to nod the ball in.

It was 2-0 to the home side nine minutes later courtesy of Leicester frontman Ade Akinbiyi. He had not scored a Premier League goal since a 1-1 draw with Everton in late September, but he rose highest to head home Frank Sinclair's floated cross from the right flank.

Leicester continued to show no mercy to the visitors and their domination was further rewarded just before the 30-minute mark. Scottish full-back Callum Davidson swung over a cross, which an unmarked Gerry Taggart had little hesitation in sending beyond the reach of a helpless Robinson.

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With the game now out of reach, Leeds started to play with a little more freedom, but the situation deteriorated even further for David O'Leary's men in the 67th minute. Having been booked during the first half for a foul on Eadie, captain Radebe was handed his marching orders following another mistimed challenge, this time on Muzzy Izzet.

There was at least a consolation goal for the travelling supporters to cheer in the closing stages, which came courtesy of the prolific Mark Viduka. The stocky Australian reacted quickest to Simon Royce's failure to hold Alan Smith's initial shot, taking his tally for the campaign to 11.

Speaking after the final whistle, O'Leary somewhat mysteriously said: "One centre-back was at fault today, although I'm not going to name names. I thought Rio played well."

Meanwhile, his opposite number Peter Taylor added: "I would say it was the best team performance I have seen by us at Filbert Street since I arrived."

Leicester: Royce; Rowett, Taggert, Elliott, Sinclair (Impey), Davidson; Eadie, Savage, Lennon, Izzet; Akinbiyi (Oakes)

Leeds: Robinson; Ferdinand, Woodgate (Wilcox), Radebe; Kelly, Matteo, Jones (Kewell), Dacourt, Bowyer; Smith, Viduka