Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa must consider axing Mateusz Klich against Tottenham

by Vijievan Jeevathayalan @VijJeeva share

3 minute read 1/1/2021 | 12:15pm

One of Marcelo Bielsa’s trusted lieutenants in his time at Leeds United, Mateusz Klich has been an ever-present for the Whites in their return to the Premier League this season.

The 30-cap Poland international hasn’t missed a single game in the top-flight, and that maybe why he seems to have hit a brick wall in terms of his form in recent weeks.

Despite picking up an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of West Brom at the Hawthorns last time out, Bielsa must surely consider axing Klich for the clash against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, and giving him a much-needed breather.

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As per Whoscored, only three of his past nine games have seen him earn a match rating of above seven, whilst he was particularly shocking against Burnley and Manchester United in recent weeks – he got a 6.75 and a 5.82 rating respectively.

In fact, the game against Sean Dyche’s side saw a couple of Leeds fans slam him as a passenger, with one supporter in particular saying it’s been like that for a while now.

Harrison, and Klich just have not been at it last few games. Passengers really.

— Ben (@benji_coops) December 27, 2020

We have a problem in midfield that needs to be addressed. As much as I love Dallas he’s a liability and Klich seems to have run out of steam and gives the ball away constantly. Far too casual in possession, which yet again caused us issues

— Ian Johnson (@IanJohnson1973) December 27, 2020

In fact, after the Burnley game, The Guardian journalist Charlie Phillips admitted that Klich appears to be “having a weird time at the moment”.

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The festive schedule seems to have taken its toll on Klich, and it’s no surprise that the 30-year-old appears to be suffering from a bit of burnout.

Bielsa must take a ruthless decision ahead of the match against Jose Mourinho’s men on Saturday, and drop Klich to the bench, and try and re-energise his side in the middle of the park.