New Leeds United signing Mateusz Klich made his return to the side ahead of the new season in yesterdays 2-0 win over Oxford at Elland Road. Klich was injured during the opening 45 minutes of the first pre-season game against Harrogate Town and has missed almost the full summer with the muscle injury.
Klich arrived from Dutch side FC Twente as the first new signing of the summer, Hadi Sacko and Pontus Jansson both having spent last season on loan already. His reputation in Holland meant he was probably a coup at just £1.6 million, Leeds taking advantage of the financial situation currently at the club. His arrival wasn’t a surprise when we learned of what his game is, despite the fact we already have some very strong options in that deeper midfield role. It was obvious listening to Twente fans and journalists from Holland he is a player that likes to break into the final third and make things happen rather than play from deep and screen the back four, although that is also in his game. His assists are key to his game, something our current four don’t really bring to the table. The re-emergence of Eunan O’Kane in the last few weeks will hopefully see him play a key part this season, another who could create things in the final third.
Klich arrived on the scene late yesterday, with the final batch of subs and it was interesting to see how he fitted in. He’s much bigger than what I though, stocky and tall as well as good with the ball at his feet. It was obvious he wasn’t as fit as the others but it was also obvious he can use the ball very well, and he likes to do it in the opposition half of the pitch. The second goal came from a lovely move, Cooper and Pennington playing it across the back to begin with. Pennington found the feet of Caleb Ekuban who held of the defender and laid it off to Klich. There was no second thought in his head as he bent a first time pass out to Dallas who went on to make it count with a glorious bending effort into the far corner. The vision was great to see, and the fact he knew what he was doing before he got the ball is very encouraging.
He certainly won’t start against Bolton due to fitness but I think he may start the game against Port Vale at Elland Road on the 9th. It will be perfect time for him to get some more game time. After seeing where he plays on the pitch yesterday I do think he will have a key part to play this season, the others all play much deeper and it could work with any of them on paper. Liam Bridcutt may well be the biggest winner with Klich arriving because he doesn’t seem to be playing well with any of the other players.
