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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Mateusz Klich’s Leeds career hasn’t been a straightforward one.
Signed from FC Twente in 2017, he appeared just once in the league that season, a game where he slipped and lost possession, consequently conceding a goal to Cardiff.
It was a moment that could have had disastrous consequences on his time at Elland Road.
Initially, it looked as though he’d be out the door at the first opportunity.
Klich left Leeds, albeit temporarily, for Utrecht in January 2018. In 16 matches, he managed three goal contributions – certainly nothing to rave about.
However, step forward Marcelo Bielsa.
Under the Argentine Klich has looked a man reborn. The Polish midfielder was involved in 19 strikes in the Championship last season after returning from his loan spell and he’s quickly become one of the main creative hubs at Leeds.
In 2019/20, the Poland international has managed 2.8 key passes per match and has taken 2.3 shots each outing, according to WhoScored.
It’s been quite the turnaround for the 29-year-old who could now be about to cap things off.
Leeds Live reported this week that a new deal was imminent for the Pole and if he does eventually put pen to paper, it will continue to prove Managing Director Angus Kinnear wrong.
Appearing on episode 71 of the Talking Shutt Podcast he spoke about Klich’s form and the player he’s become:
“Credit to Mateusz as well because when we sent him out on loan, he came into my office and said, ‘you’re making a mistake and I’m going to prove you wrong’. And it’s lovely to be proven wrong in that way.”
The fact he’s come back from his spell at Utrecht and performed in such a way is one thing, but following Klich’s prior conversation with Kinnear, it makes it all the more remarkable that he’s set to earn a new deal.
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When Klich told the Leeds CEO that he’d prove him wrong, it’s unimaginable that it would occur in the way it’s played out.
At first glance, it didn’t look as though he was cut out for English football but the attacking midfielder is now someone that’s arguably ready for the Premier League – especially after being linked with a move to Burnley in the summer.
A missed penalty against Derby last weekend was unfortunate but Klich has bounced back from more significant setbacks in his time at Leeds. His mentality is certainly admirable.