‘My frustration…’ – Jermaine Beckford picks apart out-of-position Leeds player

Thu 5 November 2020 18:10, UK

Jermaine Beckford was left frustrated by Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich in the 4-1 defeat against Leicester City on Monday.

The Polish international was forced to play the role left by the injured Kalvin Phillips, which allowed Jamie Shackleton to slot in ahead of him.

Both Klich and Shackleton were overwhelmed immediately, which saw the Foxes take advantage repeatedly at Elland Road.

Speaking on the ‘Doing a Leeds’ podcast‘, Beckford believes that Pascal Struijk should have started the game instead.

“My frustration – and don’t get me wrong for a second, I’m not a manager, I’m not a coach or anything – but watching the match, just watching the position of Klich in the centre of midfield, the holding centre mid, he wasn’t comfortable there,” he said.

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“It’s not his position. He’s more of an advanced player. He’s a box-to-box player, he needs to get forwards and back. I think he would have been suited to playing a little bit more advanced.”

Klich started the game in a disastrous manner, making a number of different stupid passes, giving away possession to some of the most dangerous players on the park.

Defensively, the midfielder let himself down. The 30-year-old only won 38% of his defensive duels – also losing the ball six times [WyScout].

He was must less effective in this one than he was against Aston Villa, completing none of his dribbles and creating zero chances.

We agree that Struijk should come straight back into the side against Palace, something which should help keep the likes of Wilfried Zaha quiet.

In other Leeds United news, Victor Orta issues urgent plea for Whites fans

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