Mateusz Klich underlined his Leeds United worth on Wednesday night as the Whites secured their spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Klich has found himself down Jesse Marsch’s Premier League pecking order this season, but he made his first start as the Whites took on League One Barnsley at Elland Road.
The Poland international was one of nine changes, with Marsch opting for a young side, but Leeds had more than enough to ease their way towards second round progress with a 3-1 win. Luis Sinisterra was the man who perhaps made the biggest impression on the night, scoring the opener from distance and catching the eye as he got the better of Barnsley’s right-back on a host of occasions.
However, Klich scored Leeds’ other two, coolly stroking home a penalty in the first half before finishing a fine team move with a cultured finish after the break. It was a performance to be proud of and Jesse Marsch will certainly have taken note moving forward.
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Assistant coach Rene Maric is still getting to know Klich’s game and character after making the move to Elland Road at the end of July, but he was certainly impressed with what he saw from him against the Tykes.
“We had a lot of talks with him and he's very committed,” Maric said after the game. “The locker room in general he is very, very good.
“He's one of these guys that gives a team personality in every training and in these games, and we trust him. He came on against Wolves and Southampton. He's, just a very, very good player and he also showed it today over 90 minutes.
“I thought he did exceptionally well, the way he defends and supports our build-up. I think he just shows his qualities.”
Marsch has spoken openly about his relationship with Klich this season, insisting that although the pair have had disagreements this summer, he likes him as a player and a person. However, in the build-up to the new campaign, the head coach failed to dismiss the possibility of Klich leaving Elland Road before the September 1 transfer deadline as he looks to nail down his spot in the Poland squad for the World Cup.
Klich has played a bit-part role this season so far but he certainly made a statement during Wednesday’s performance.
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