Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa may find it difficult not to start Jack Clarke following his outstanding display in the 2-0 win against Derby County at Elland Road on Friday night, and his emergence could be bad news for a player in a different position in Mateusz Klich.
On the chalkboard
Well, the Poland international has become a key player in one of the central midfield roles behind the striker for the Yorkshire outfit this season, and he began the Championship campaign in brilliant form.
Even though the goals and assists have dried up in recent months – he has none of the former and just one of the latter in his previous 11 league outings – he has still remained a consistent starter under the Argentine.
However, his place in the starting XI could soon be under threat with Clarke scoring once as a substitute against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day before assisting one in an eye-catching showing in his first Championship start for the Whites against Frank Lampard’s men.
Why is Klich affected?
His 18-year-old teammate shone on the right wing against the Rams and has surely made it difficult for Bielsa to drop him now given the how impressively he imposed himself on what was a huge league clash.
If Clarke continues to start on the right then the 28-year-old’s main issue could come when the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Barry Douglas return from suspension and injury respectively.
Pablo Hernandez will move into the No.10 role with the teenager and Alioski likely to accommodate the wide berth, and following his display on Friday Adam Forshaw is likely to partner the Spaniard ahead of Phillips in front of the back four.
Klich has been a big player for Leeds this season, but the emergence of Clarke and his lack of form could be bad news for the Polish midfielder.
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