After recent international criticism, Leeds United’s Mateusz Klich was missed in Italy defeat

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Mateusz Klich has certainly had a revival season at Leeds United. After being discarded by Thomas Christiansen last term, the Polish midfielder was immediately brought into the fold by new boss Marcelo Bielsa.

He has not disappointed. With four goals and three assists in 14 games this season he has become a key player for the Whites.

Such form has even seen him recalled to the Polish national team. However, he missed last night’s 1-0 defeat to Italy through suspension. This pleased one former Poland international. Tomasz Hajto, formerly of Southampton and Derby County, had some harsh words to say about the Leeds player following Poland’s 3-2 loss against Portugal last Thursday. He wanted Klich dropped for Sampdoria midfielder Karol Linetty going forward.

“He did not break through at Wolfsburg, but when he was loaned, he rebuilt a little. He returned to Wolfsburg and gave an interview, regretting that he could not adapt to Magath’s training.

“He went to Kaiserslautern for two matches and could not make it again, he went to the Netherlands, he played a bit again, but at Zwolle. It’s such a club that if I lost five kilos, I would be able to fit in now.”

– Former Poland boss Tomasz Hajto on Mateusz Klich

However, he did not fare well in his place. Linetty was hauled off at half-time, being replaced by the veteran Jakub Blasczykowski, to counteract a dominant Italian first-half display.

It seems the Leeds United star was missed far more than many would have expected. With nobody stepping up to claim his starting spot, Klich will now be happy in the knowledge he will probably be back in the Poland midfield when they face the Czech Republic and Portugal next month.