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News
Woodgate lauds Forshaw as ‘best player’ on pitch in Leeds defeat
Jonathan Woodgate that Adam Forshaw turned into the best player on the pitch during Leeds United’s defeat to Manchester United when he was deployed in the deeper role in the Whites’ midfield.
Leeds suffered an agonising defeat at Elland Road. But they can also take a number of positives from the game. Of course, the way they fought back from 2-0 down to level the game in 80 seconds was remarkable.
And several players were really impressive. Mateusz Klich was unbelievable, apart from when he had a sight of goal. And Junior Firpo was largely outstanding following his first-half introduction.
That introduction came about after Robin Koch was substituted following a nasty clash with Scott McTominay. Unsurprisingly, a left-back replacing a centre-back playing in holding midfield meant that a reshuffle was required.
Pascal Struijk pushed forward initially. But at half-time, Marcelo Bielsa took Diego Llorente off. And that meant that Forshaw dropped back.
Forshaw had spent much of the first-half up against Paul Pogba. And in truth, he did not have the best afternoon. However, he was superb in that second-half.
The midfielder has been brilliant since his return from injury. And he looked a class act once again against Ralf Rangnick’s side. Woodgate certainly felt that he came into his own as the game went on.
“I just think Pogba was dictating the game [in the first half]. Forshaw at times found it hard to play against him,” .
“But when Forshaw went back to being the number six, he was the best player on the pitch. You can see some of his interceptions.”
Forshaw the only Leeds player to come close to replacing Kalvin Phillips
Bielsa has been lauded throughout his time at Elland Road. He is coming in for criticism from some on the outside. However, most fans continue to look at him as a legendary figure.
But there is one issue that he is yet to crack in four years at the helm: how to replace Kalvin Phillips when he is absent.
Several players have had a go. But it is surely fair to say that Forshaw is the only one to get close to stepping up to Phillips’ level.
Koch, Klich and Struijk have had moments. But they have looked like makeshift options at various stages.
Forshaw has filled that role superbly this season. And if you were to criticise Bielsa on that issue, it would perhaps be for not using him there more often in the last couple of games.