Dom Matteo reckons ‘underrated’ Leeds star can be key to success this season

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Dominic Matteo has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 9:17am) that he believes “underrated” Adam Forshaw can be the key to Leeds United’s push for promotion, after an excellent display in the Whites’ 3-1 win over Bristol City on Sunday.

The 27-year-old started and finished the match as goals from Pablo Hernandez, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison. Andi Weimann scored a consolation for Bristol City during the latter stages of the second half.

Leeds have immediately returned to the top of the table, after narrowly missing out on promotion last time around. Forshaw only managed 32 appearances last term, but the £4.5million (YEP) signing was crucial on Sunday.

Former Leeds defender Matteo has told TalkSPORT that Forshaw did not get the praise he deserved last season, and reckons that if can form a three-man partnership with Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich, then he could be key.

“It was a great performance, a lot of pressure on Leeds,” Matteo said. “They were unlucky last season. They didn’t see games out last term and it cost them.

With players like Klich, Forshaw and Phillips in midfield, it allows Harrison, Bamford and Hernandez to have freedom. Forshaw is underrated. Forshaw didn’t get much praise last season and was in and out of the team, but he is underrated.

“If those three can get an understanding going, then they can be a real force.”

TBR’s view – Forshaw can be Leeds engine room

Poland international Klich proved last season that he has the energy and the stamina to implement Marcelo Bielsa’s high press, box-to-box midfield demands. But Leeds lacked a permanent partner to Klich last term.

Pablo Hernandez lacks the stamina at 34 years of age, while Tyler Roberts is too attacking for the 10 role. Forshaw has the intelligence and the midfield nous to not only be the engine, but also chip in with the odd goal.

Yet to score for Leeds, Forshaw came close with a couple of efforts and indeed scored in pre-season. This season could finally be the campaign in which the ex-Middlesbrough man repays the £4.5million fee spent in January 2018.