Phil Hay shares Adam Forshaw verdict as Leeds United starting XI v Leicester discussed
Phil Hay has suggested Adam Forshaw is an “option” to start for Leeds United against Leicester City when the two sides meet on Tuesday evening.
Forshaw has returned to the matchday squad recently and made a substitute appearance during the 2-1 loss against Fulham on Saturday (22 April). The 31-year-old hasn’t started a game in 2023.
The Athletic journalist has since claimed in his latest Q and A that Javi Gracia must try something different to Weston McKennie and Marc Roca in the centre of midfield.
“Forshaw is also an option. Has to be something different to Roca-McKennie, I feel. That partnership is too easy to bully,” said Hay (25 April).
Change
Something has to change in the centre of the park for Leeds. McKennie has been the brunt of the frustration in recent weeks after his poor displays against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Fulham. The American has become somewhat of a scapegoat, and considering his reputation, it’s somewhat justified. We were all expecting more.
We’ve certainly seen glimpses from the American, but, on the whole, it’s been largely disappointing. Forshaw probably deserves a starting berth purely down to Leeds’ poor form of late. He’s a leader and could well be exactly what is required in the Whites’ current situation.
Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling could also be players for Gracia to consistently use between now and the end of the season. Cooper returned to the starting XI against Fulham and was probably man of the match. Had he not featured, there’s a good chance the scoreline would’ve been significantly worse.
Tuesday evening’s team selection will certainly be an intriguing one.
In other Leeds United news, scouts were present to watch this 20-goal striker play last week ahead of a summer move.