Javi Gracia has told his post-match press conference – as per Leeds Live – that the defensive concentration of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie in front of the Leeds defence is “impressive” as their partnership continues to blossom.
Roca and McKennie reunited in the middle of the park on Tuesday night as Gracia reinstated McKennie to the line-up. It comes after he was left on the bench and given 30 minutes against Arsenal, after picking up the flu with USA.
Both Roca and McKennie saw out the entire 90 minutes as Leeds secured a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. A third win in six League games under Gracia, which takes Leeds from 18th in the League to a much healthier 13th place.
The duo, who played superbly in the 4-2 win away at Wolves together, combined again on Tuesday night and Gracia was full of praise. Asked about the partnership, he said “the secret is” that McKennie and Roca are “good players”.
“The secret is they are good players. Gave them the information. Attack and defend better. Forest scored once and some chances, but not clear. Dangerous on the counter. Our concentration in defence is impressive,” Gracia said.
Blossoming Leeds partnership of Roca and McKennie impresses Gracia
Come Sunday, when Leeds play host to Palace, you would expect Gracia to name a similar line-up. Of course, that may change if Willy Gnonto and Max Wober are fit. Pascal Struijk was solid against Forest and may retain his place.
But in attack, Luis Sinisterra scored the winner – a wonderful curling effort. He was superb on the night, as was Jack Harrison. Gnonto could come in for Brenden Aaronson who was good, but not excellent. Harrison, to play as a 10.
Along with Illan Meslier, Robin Koch and Junior Firpo, the other two nailed-on positions in the side are now Roca and McKennie. They will surely start against Palace on Sunday, and given the time in between to rest and recover.
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