‘Epitome of what Marcelo has done’ – Sky Sports pundit identifies Leeds ‘unsung hero’
Sky Sports journalist David Prutton spoke very highly of Mateusz Klich in his assessment of the best performers for Leeds United in 2020/21.
The former Whites player reserved praise for Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Klich in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Press.
All three were key to Leeds’ promotion and they have remained essential to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, with each appearing in every league game so far.
Klich ranks joint-fifth in Premier League assists this term with five to boast of, and that led Prutton to direct the spotlight on his performances.
“You can look at what Leeds have got out of maybe an unsung hero in Mateusz Klich which has been wonderful,” Prutton told the Yorkshire Evening Press.
“Klich has been a player who has been the very epitome of what Marcelo has done with Leeds United in making him better.”
Mixing with the best
Prutton’s comments hit the nail on the head.
The Poland international’s form has gone under the radar somewhat, with Bamford’s goalscoring prowess and the impact of summer signings being discussed ahead of Klich.
In reality, the midfielder’s improvement has been key to Leeds’ recent achievements.
The 30-year-old arrived in 2018 and was immediately sent out on loan, yet has grown to be an absolutely key part of Bielsa’s team.
Klich’s average WhoScored rating improved year on year in the Championship, and his vision and passing ability have come a long way.
Now, he has more assists to boast of than England international James Ward-Prowse and has just two less than the much talked about Bruno Fernandes.
Furthermore, an average of 2.1 key passes per game is the ninth-best return of any Premier League player.
By contrast, when Klich first arrived he managed just 0.3 key passes per game.
That highlights the progress he has made under Bielsa, which Prutton alludes to.
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