Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes that Mateusz Klich could now lose his place in the team following Adam Forshaw's impressive return.
The Lowdown: Forshaw back in the fold
The 29-year-old has overcome a serious hip injury which saw him miss two years of action, making a hugely pleasing return to the Leeds team recently. The midfielder has six appearances to his name in all competitions this term and seems to be growing by the game, arguably producing a Man of the Match display in the recent 1-1 draw with Leicester City.
Forshaw's return gives Marcelo Bielsa a selection headache in the middle of the park, with Klich also battling to partner Kalvin Phillips.
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The Latest: Pundits tips Klich to lose place
Speaking to Football Insider, Leeds ambassador Whelan admitted that Forshaw's resurgence could lead to Klich being benched after the international break:
"It was really encouraging to see Forshaw back in that starting line-up. Not least because we didn’t know if we were going to see him in a Leeds shirt again.
"He’s had two horrible years out through injury, and that is tough to come back from for any professional.
"He and Phillips seemed to have a really good understanding in the midfield. He gave us just a bit more presence in there, a bit more aggression.
"That partnership worked better than having Klich in there, it was great to see Forshaw back. He has that experience and composure that we need in that midfield area. Klich could be the one to miss out now."
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The Verdict: Fair decision currently
This is a very healthy situation for Leeds to be in, with central midfield an area which has often felt light on options so far this season, especially with Robin Koch out injured.
Forshaw genuinely feels like a new signing, having missed so much action, and he is showing what an influential figure he can be within Bielsa's team if he stays fit.
Klich remains a key player for Leeds as well, though, earning their fifth-highest SofaScore performance rating of the season and starting seven top-flight matches, and the added competition from Forshaw could prompt him to raise his game even further in the coming weeks and months.
In other news, Leeds are reportedly potential suitors for an exciting young player. Read more here.