Leeds United return to action on Thursday with a Premier League clash at Elland Road, and Jesse Marsch could be set to make an adjustment to his midfield.
Adam Forshaw has been a consistent member of the starting XI at Leeds this season, with 17 appearances under Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League.
However, in Marsch’s first game in charge of the Yorkshire side, the 30-year-old was only able to make the bench for the defeat against Leicester City.
And speaking after the game, the American manager claimed Forshaw’s omission from the starting XI came down to him being unable to train for the full week at Thorp Arch:
“I spoke to Adam before the match and told him that just because the fact he wasn’t able to train throughout the week and we had a few other guys that only had modified training,” said Marsch.
However, could the midfielder be set to return to the starting XI for the game against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa on Thursday night after Leeds tasted yet another defeat? We look at the credentials of the midfielder and someone he could replace in midweek…
Adam Forshaw
Bielsa placed a lot of trust in Forshaw once he returned from his long-term injury issue which has seen him become a regular in the Leeds XI this season amid the injury sustained by Kalvin Phillips.
And he has taken the opportunity in the XI with both hands, having provided the Whites with some extra help defensively.
Over his 18 appearances in the Premier League, Forshaw has been able to make 40 tackles and has a 28.1% successful tackle rate (via FBRef).
Forshaw has clearly impressed those at the club, with the Yorkshire side offering the midfielder a new one-year extension earlier in the year.
And he has certainly caught the attention of Leeds correspondent, Phil Hay: “Since his return, Adam Forshaw has been physically and technically suited to the Premier League,” tweeted the journalist in January.
Who would you start vs Villa?
Mateusz Klich
Adam Forshaw
Robin Koch
Neither Robin Koch nor Forshaw are going to provide Marsch with an attacking threat, with just one assist between them this season.
And it is the Englishman who edges the attacking battle, with his one assist coming against West Ham United earlier in the year (via FBRef).
Koch, who signed for around £11.7m (as per Transfermarkt), does boast a higher successful tackle percentage than the 30-year-old midfielder with 31.3%. However, Forshaw has been able to complete 30 more tackles than the German – albeit within eight more games.
The 25-year-old German started for Marsch at the weekend against Leicester but it was apparent he did not exactly impress as he received just a 6/10 rating from Leeds Live.
Koch lasted the full 90 minutes at the King Power Stadium but was described in Beren Cross’ player ratings as not looking a ‘natural fit’ in the central midfield role.
TIF Verdict…
It was an improved performance by the Whites this past weekend as they only conceded one goal – which is a stark contrast to their games in February, where the defence was nowhere to be seen as they shipped in 20 goals.
However, looking at the improved tackling statistics of Forshaw, we think Marsch will be looking to bring him straight back into the side to provide some extra assurance on the back of the game against the Foxes.
It is apparent Koch will not provide an improved attacking threat in comparison to Forshaw, so we think Marsch should be aiming to provide his defence with as much support as possible against a Villa side fresh from scoring four at the weekend.
In other news: ‘He was exasperated’ – Graham Smyth reveals Marsch had ‘deep conversation’ with Leeds ace