Adam Forshaw joined Leeds in a £4.5million deal in January.
Middlesbrough legend Bernie Slaven has told the Teesside Gazette that his former side sold Adam Forshaw to Leeds United in January because the midfield was not “creative enough”.
The 26-year-old joined Leeds in the January transfer window for around £4.5million from Boro, and has impressed for the Yorkshire giants since his move to Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
The former Everton midfielder had fallen down the pecking order on Teesside due to the presence of the likes of Jonny Howson, Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton and January signing Mo Besic.
Slaven, who played for Boro for 12 years between 1983 an 1995, reckons that Forshaw was sold for his lack of creativity in the final third as he was used in more of an advanced role at the Riverside.
“Adam Forshaw will be back on Friday with Leeds,” Slaven said. “Unlike some people, I didn’t have a problem with Boro selling him in January. He seems a good lad and technically he’s a decent footballer but for me he needs to get more goals and assists.
“Leadbitter and Clayton were holding players but Forshaw was an attacking midfielder at Boro and he wasn’t creative enough.
“If you are playing in that position and neither scoring or creating you are flattering to deceive. Hopefully at Leeds he can kick on and add that aspect to his game – but not until the Boro match is done and dusted.”
Leeds face Middlesbrough on Friday evening at the Riverside as they look to complete the double over Tony Pulis’ side, following a 2-1 win at Elland Road earlier in the season in a game marred by controversy.
Forshaw missed Leeds’ 1-0 win over Brentford last time out, as his partner gave birth last weekend but he is expected to return to the side for the trip north to face his old club.
The Whites remain six points behind the Championship play-off places, with Sheffield United in sixth place but Leeds could pile the pressure on their Yorkshire rivals with a win before the Blades face Fulham on Tuesday.
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