Micah Richards slams Weston McKennie as Leeds United footage aired on Match of the Day v Southampton
Micah Richards has slammed Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie on Match of the Day (25 February) for making a sloppy pass during their 1-0 win over Southampton.
McKennie, who joined in the January transfer window on loan from Juventus, was brilliant throughout the game, but Richards was left unimpressed when he failed to pick a right pass after bursting forward.
While watching the footage (54.25 onwards), Richards makes a point about the 24-year-old midfielder that it’s important to “settle yourself down”, take an extra touch, and make the right pass.
“McKennie driving forward, bursting forward. Then this bit [footage shown]. Going forward, they just need to improve,” said Richards on Match of the Day.
“Settle yourself down. Take an extra touch, and make the right pass.”
Strong performance
It was a strong performance from McKennie, and arguably his best since he joined the club.
He made tireless runs throughout the game and didn’t give the Southampton midfielders an inch to dominate the midfield.
The USA international dominated possession and broke up many attacks as well. He made 81 touches, and managed 60 successful passes with nearly 91% accuracy, as per LUFCDATA.
He won three tackles and recovered the ball eight times. Furthermore, he created two chances as well, rounding off a fantastic display.
Having said that, Richards does have a valid point here. It seems like Leeds have made a habit of doing everything at 100mph, but sometimes you need the patience to build a proper attack.
The Whites create chances in the final third, but they lack incisive passes and movements most of the time. That’s why it is sometimes important to slow down the tempo to pick the right pass.
Basically, by taking that extra touch, it allows other attacking players to get into good scoring positions. Hopefully, under Gracia, we will see a gradual change in approach.
In other Leeds United news, check out our player ratings from the win over Southampton.
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