Noel Whelan reacts to Mateusz Klich’s display in Leeds loss

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Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that Mateusz Klich did not look like himself during Leeds United’s defeat on Saturday, insisting that there were times when he forgot that he was even playing.

Klich’s form has been a concern for Marcelo Bielsa’s side for some time. The 30-year-old started the campaign in incredible form, scoring three and providing five assists before the turn of the year.

However, since then, it has been a struggle for the Poland international. There have been no goals or assists. And he has seemingly fallen below Stuart Dallas in the pecking order.

He was recalled to the starting lineup against Brighton on Saturday. However, it proved to be a hugely disappointing afternoon all round for Leeds.

They were beaten comfortably. And Klich was one of a number of players who really struggled to make any sort of mark on the game.

And Whelan suggested after the defeat that the performance provided all the proof Victor Orta could need that Leeds have to strengthen at the end of the season.

“You look at energy levels, he’s losing his battles to Bissouma today all over the place,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “He doesn’t look like himself, didn’t even really get that many touches in the first-half to be honest with you.

“Didn’t even realise he was on the field at times. So when you’re talking about do we need more midfield players, do we need to go into the market this summer, absolutely.”

TBR View: Klich has previously silenced critics, so may be able to do it again

Klich has bounced back from poor spells of form in the past. He was a revelation in the opening months of Bielsa’s tenure before tailing off for a while.

He obviously pulled himself out from that rut. So there is reason to believe that he can recover and rediscover his best form.

Of course, the crucial difference this time around is Leeds are playing at a higher level. Klich will have also turned 31 by the start of next season, so it may be more difficult to turn things around.

But he has proved that he can cut it in the Premier League. So it would be foolish to write him off completely.