Marcelo Bielsa has been speaking to the media following Leeds’ 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, and he’s spoken about two of Roy Hodgson’s players.
The former Marseille boss singled out Patrick van Aanholt for praise following the Eagles’ comprehensive win, but felt that Nathaniel Clyne didn’t play too well on the other flank.
Leeds Live quote Bielsa as saying: ‘Their left-back was dangerous. The other full-back lost duels. We had a lot of activity on both wings, but when we attacked the full-backs were well-protected. When they attacked they had more space to attack.’
In fairness, he’s right.
Clyne – a recent arrival following his release from Liverpool – failed to win a single ground duel or an aerial duel, according to SofaScore.
The England international was also dribbled past twice, and lost possession on 17 occasions.
Clyne also seemed slow to react to the ball for Patrick Bamford’s goal, which he possibly could’ve toed away before the ex-Palace striker slammed home.
Bielsa was also right to say that Van Aanholt was ‘dangerous’ against his side.
It was the Netherlands international’s cross which forced Helder Costa to score an own-goal, while he proved a constant threat throughout.
Van Aanholt – who beIN Sports say Palace paid £14 million for – won both of his aerial duels and two of his three ground duels.
Additionally, the ex-Chelsea man had two shots on target, made one key pass and completed one dribble.
He also could’ve got himself on the scoresheet, but missed a late chance which ended up hitting the side netting.
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