‘Amazing’: Coach left blown away by £1.5m Leeds United player’s work-rate, says it’s ‘first class’

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Leeds United’s under-21 coach Michael Skubala has been full of praise for midfielder Mateusz Klich, and has been blown away by his work-rate.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has relayed Skubala’s comments after Leeds’ under-21s drew 2-2 with Norwich City, with Klich singled out for praise. “It’s first class when they’re (members of the first team squad) playing.

“I’ve got Klichy running 30-40 metres to recover [the ball]. What a great example it is for our young players at this club to see that and I think that’s what’s great about Leeds United.

“I’ve seen that in other clubs over my time, in my other role with England with the Under-18s, where you see they haven’t got that quite good attitude when they do it, but the senior pros have been amazing.”

It’s no surprise that Klich’s work-rate has stood out, given this is an important aspect of the Polish international’s game.

The midfielder was one of a number of first-team players, including Adam Forshaw and Crysencio Summerville, who were playing for the under-21s to improve their match fitness.

Leeds coach blown away by Klich’s work-rate

The Polish midfielder was signed for £1.5m back in 2017, but his future at Elland Road has been up in the air this summer, with reports suggesting some clubs across Europe are interested in the 32-year-old.

However, Jesse Marsch has now told Klich he won’t be leaving this summer, which will be music to Leeds’ fans ears given how good he was when he came off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day.

It could be difficult for Klich to break into Marsch’s starting line-up this season, after the Whites brought in Marc Roca and Tyler Adams this summer to replace Kalvin Phillips after his move to Manchester City.

With Forshaw also returning from injury, and a host of young talent looking to break into Marsch’s first team, Klich may only be required from time to time.

However, his willingness to drop down into the under-21s will provide invaluable experience to young players at the club, and he certainly won’t be dropping the intensity in training any time soon.