Last season, it was tough to see what Mateusz Klich was bringing to the party at Leeds United.
The midfielder was something of an outcast and was unable to make any discernable impact – often he was not given the opportunity to – on Leeds’ season.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, however, the Polish midfielder has been transformed. He has been central to the Argentine’s high-tempo revolution and has found an eye for goal.
His confidence and quality was never more evident than on Friday night; when he crashed home a long-range equaliser to ensure the Whites earned a share of the spoils from their Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday.
From the man himself
Klich is clearly enjoying his best run of form since he joined Leeds, and has admitted as much. He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I’ve never scored so many goals.
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“After ten games of the season – four goals – it’s my best start to a season and it’s not only me. A lot of players have started very well. As a team we play good.
“My goal was everything. We’ve scored a lot of goals this season after nice play from (the back). I got the chance to shoot so I shot. That’s what I wanted.”
The Bielsa effect is clear
This is what Marcelo Bielsa does; he improves players. By teaching them about the game, he elevates individuals to new levels.
The result is clear and Klich is the best example currently at the club. A man who was going nowhere fast last season is now an integral element of the team.
In this era dominated by the transfer market, coaches like Bielsa are rare. That makes him stand out all the more; in truth, that’s what Leeds need now if they are going to make it to the Premier League.
They cannot afford to buy brand new players for each position; but thankfully they have a manager who is able to transform current ones into new men. Klich is clear proof of that.