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Joe Donnohue

Adam Forshaw offers Leeds United simple fix to Marcelo Bielsa's revealing and persistent problem

Leeds United have conceded 31 goals in their last 10 league games, and face Liverpool at Anfield in their next fixture.

The free-scoring Reds average over two-and-a-half goals per game in the Premier League this season, while the Whites' recent run of form has seen them concede over three per match.

Faced with the visit to Merseyside in midweek, it is a particularly daunting proposition given the team are still without Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips - and will probably miss Robin Koch who was substituted in the 4-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.

Despite the scoreline, Leeds supporters were full of praise for midfielder Adam Forshaw, though.

The 30-year-old returned to the starting line-up in a No. 8 role, supporting Mateusz Klich in the No. 10 and Robin Koch in defensive midfield.

Forshaw made more tackles than any other player on the pitch, and was also successful with five such attempts.

Tellingly, Forshaw also attempted and completed more successful pressures than any other player, too.

As per FBRef.com, Forshaw's pressures were evenly distributed throughout the thirds.

The midfielder made 11 in the middle third of the pitch, 10 in Leeds' own defensive third and 12 in Manchester United's third.

Out of those 33 attempts, Forshaw was successful with 16 - which is relatively high given the Premier League average is around 30%.

Adam Forshaw celebrates with Rodrigo (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Forshaw's decisive intervention on Bruno Fernandes in the build-up to Raphinha's goal was roundly cheered by Elland Road in the moments leading up to the Whites' second of the afternoon.

Typically, these sorts of numbers are synonymous with a Kalvin Phillips performance. This season, Phillips has averaged 27.9 pressures per 90, but frequently attempts upwards of 30, similar to Forshaw versus Man United.

A potential solution to Leeds shipping so many goals of late could be dropping Forshaw back to the Phillips role instead of Robin Koch, who may be ruled out on Wednesday with a head injury.

Pascal Struijk was selected by Marcelo Bielsa to deputise in front of the defence midway through the Man United contest, but some supporters feel this switch was the wrong call, preferring the Dutchman to remain at centre-back.

Mateusz Klich's return to form offers Bielsa the opportunity to drop Forshaw into the holding midfield role, with Klich taking on the No. 8 position.

Alternatively, Stuart Dallas could suit that function in midfield, given Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling will likely hold down the full-back slots at Anfield.

Either way, while Forshaw is posting Kalvin Phillips numbers in his defensive duties, and there is a vacancy in that position, many would assume he should be the natural fit.

Bielsa may well see things differently, but Forshaw's exertion at Elland Road last weekend certainly gives him a case.

The 66-year-old regards Phillips' understudies to be Struijk and Koch, neglecting to mention Forshaw in the same breath when discussing Phillips alternatives.

Recent statistics suggest Bielsa may be better off trialling the 30-year-old at the base of midfield until Phillips returns to full fitness next month.

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