Mateusz Klich is having quite the run at the start of this season. He probably felt a bit lucky to start the opening day win against Stoke City, the sale of Ronaldo Vieira and injury to Adam Forshaw meant he got his chance, and he’s taken it in spectacular fashion.
🇵🇱 | @Cli5hy came off the bench to ruin Ireland’s night, as he linked up superbly with Milik to score a 87th minute equaliser in Poland’s 1-1 draw pic.twitter.com/mXdT2necAE
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 11, 2018
Klich has scored three league goals this campaign, all first in their respective games and goals that would kick-off big wins. He added to that last night with a lovely goal to secure a draw against the Republic of Ireland. Klich started the UEFA Nations League opener against Italy last week and was left on the bench for the friendly last night as the Polish side made sweeping changes to give players time. Klich was a late sub and made a huge impact.
The goal itself shows how capable he is of getting forward, something that has become increasingly obvious this season under Marcelo Bielsa. A lovely one-two before controlling and placing it into the corner, and he can score all sorts of goals. His first, against stoke was a lovely run off the back of defenders before controlling and stabbing past Jack Butland. The second was a beauty from 25 yards at Derby and the third off a rebound, controlling his volley into the corner at Norwich.
— peter beales⚽ (@peterbeales85) September 11, 2018
Klich has started this season in a role I would call “the link” but can probably be named the “Klich role” now. He is neither an attacking or defensive midfielder, he does both. It isn’t as simple as declaring him a “box-to-box” midfielder either but it’s far more intricate than that. He performs a key role in the side and given how gutted everyone was when Adam Forshaw was announced injured it has been a fantastic start to his season.
Hard work does pay off. He’s set that example this season.