Midfield trio key to Leeds revolution

In our latest fan-focused offering, Playmaker club specialist Sam Bevan runs the rule over the midfield trio spurring Leeds to greater heights this season...

The first international break of the season allows Leeds fans a little time to process the, nothing less than, mesmerising start to the season made under new coach Marcelo Bielsa. 

Apathy has been replaced by a wave of optimism that has swept Leeds to the top of the Championship. 

The entire club appears revitalised under Argentinian mastermind Bielsa, but this article focuses on the midfield trio - of Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez - that has formed the crux of Leeds' early season success. 

King Klich

The opening 6 games of the season has seen the rise of Mateusz Klich. The Polish midfielder was outcast by then manager Thomas Christiansen during the first half of last season, eventually seeing the season out on loan to Dutch side FC Utrecht. There were glimmers during this spell in the Eredivisie that Leeds may have missed a trick: Klich creating the most chances in a single game (11) since Christian Eriksen set the current record of 14 chances in 2012.

On his return to Elland Road this summer, Klich's future remained bleak - Bielsa reportedly not considering the Pole a first team player until the sale of Ronaldo Vieira and an injury to Adam Forshaw. Klich has seized his opportunity, however, and started every league game for Leeds so far: scoring three important goals and laying on one assist during those six appearances. Interestingly, Klich's goals have all opened the scoring for Leeds (v Stoke, Derby and Norwich). 

©Getty / Alex Livesey

The transition between defence and attack personifies Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play and Klich has therefore been assigned an extremely important central midfield role. This involves striking a balance between defending and attacking in a high intensity fashion, something that has allowed Klich’s work rate and defensive capabilities to flourish.

Boasting a pass accuracy of 83%, the 4th highest in the squad in 18/19, Klich has helped Leeds win their midfield battles, and he has kept his place despite a number of players returning from injury.

On current form, Klich is extremely unlikely to lose Bielsa's faith - his performances this season leading to a call up for Poland's friendly vs Republic of Ireland after a four year absence from the national team. 

Old but Gold

In the 2016 /17 summer transfer window, long-gone Leeds manager, Garry Monk, signed Pablo Hernandez on loan from Al-Arabi. After an impressive first 6 months, Leeds signed Hernandez permanently on a one-year contract, which was extended by a further two years in the summer of 2018.

The now 33-year-old has shown that age is no hindrance to him and he sets the standard for Leeds other creative players, such as Samuel Saiz.

©Getty / George Wood

Hernandez has been involved in 5 Championship goals (3 goals and 2 assists) in the 5 league games he has played - his performances last month rewarded with the PFA Fans Player of the Month award for August. 

Bielsa has afforded Hernandez a more technical and creative role compared to others, allowing the Spaniard to dictate the flow of Leeds' football. Despite his attacking importance. however, Hernandez has also been given his fair share of defensive duties. 

Averaging 3 tackles per game so far, Hernandez has combined his high attacking work rate with his new defensive responsibilities. The need for wingers to link well with their respective wing back is a necessity for Bielsa, and Hernandez has worked well with Luke Ayling so far, pushing wide to open space and defending when necessary down the right flank. 

Anchor in the Middle

Kalvin Phillips has been subject to a lot of abuse on social media in previous seasons, due to perceived under-par performances. Last season, however, he stood out at times in a very poor Leeds side and the 18/19 season has seen the former Leeds academy player really come into his own. Playing in a vital role, Phillips has shown maturity, quality and leadership beyond his years. 

Phillips has adopted the ‘anchor’ role typical of Bielsa teams. Playing the central defensive midfield role in a 4-1-4-1, Phillips covers any defensive position vacated by his team-mates - his versatility really coming to the fore this season. 

©Getty / Alex Livesey

The 22-year-old did struggle vs Swansea, due to the focused style they adopted, and was victim to a rare first half substitution. That has been Phillips’ only ‘poor’ performance, however, and he has since recovered his previous form.

Boasting a pass accuracy of 84.8%, Phillips’ distribution has been vital to converting defence to attack. Phillips averages 51.5 passes per game, with an average of 4.3 of those passes being long balls feeding his wingers. This outlet was demonstrated vs Boro, with Phillips moving the ball wide to Harrison to spread the play.

Phillips deserves the praise he is currently getting and needs to improve on his already solid performances to help Leeds make a concerted promotion push.

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