If Patrick Bamford is Leeds United’s swaggering frontman, if Kalvin Phillips is the face-melting, swoon-inducing lead guitarist, then Adam Forshaw is Elland Road’s drummer.
Always in the background, often overshadowed, lacking the glitz and the glamour of a Raphinha, of a Meslier.
But ask anyone at Elland Road and they’ll tell you that, without the rhythmic beat that Forshaw so diligently provides, Leeds often don’t hit the same old notes.
Who will be part of Jesse Marsch’s Leeds band?
Jesse Marsch is facing the biggest challenge of his coaching career as he looks to build upon the success of the immortal Marcelo Bielsa, West Yorkshire’s answer to Rick Rubin.
But, if his introductory press conference is anything to go by, Marsch plans to dance to Bielsa’s tune, relying on the same old rockers who thrilled the Elland Road crowd from 2018 to 2021.
“(Liam) Cooper and (Luke) Ayling,” Marsch tells Leeds Live when asked about the ‘leaders’ at his disposal. “It’s easy to see they are comfortable in front of the group.
“Bamford has personality. Challenge Phillips to take a bigger and bigger role. Get him healthy. (Stuart) Dallas is one of the hardest workers and strongest young men clear with how he needs to work with the team.”
As for Forshaw, the former Middlesbrough ace – Marsch says – is a ‘fantastic’ member of this Leeds squad.
More of the same?
A leader on and off the pitch, there’s a reason why some at Elland Road see the 30-year-old Scouser as a future manager-in-waiting.
Forshaw’s blossomed into something of an on-field coach, someone who’s broad tactical intelligence could prove invaluable as Leeds look to move on from nearly four years of Bielsa-ball.
“That’s why I am here, I think,” adds Marsch, admitting that his stylistic similarities with Bielsa played a major role in him getting the job.
“Anyone in charge should do a good job on succession plans for staff and players, so the transition from one phase to the next is as smooth as can possibly be.”
With Forshaw, Ayling, Cooper, Bamford, Dallas and Phillips, Marsch will inherit the same spine that worked wonders for Bielsa. Once they are all fit and available that is.
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