Jesse Marsch told his post-match press conference that he did not think it was a “big call” to start Sam Greenwood for Leeds United. The teenager was handed his first Premier League start, in a crucial relegation showdown.
Leeds needed to better Burnley’s result against Newcastle at Turf Moor in order to stay up. The odds were stacked against the Whites, though, largely because of Burnley’s recent form – and how good Brentford are at home.
But Leeds looked good – and so did Newcastle. The Toon went on to win 2-1 despite Burnley having numerous chances, and Leeds scored another late injury-time winner to beat Brentford 2-1. A stunning end to a poor season.
Marsch has guided Leeds to 15 points from 12 games despite facing the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in that time. Greenwood was included in the line-up for the first time, playing alongside Kalvin Phillips.
Indeed, Greenwood was one of the better players on the park. His energy, creativity and connection with Joe Gelhardt from midfield gave Leeds a new dimension. Marsch said it was easy to pick Greenwood at Brentford.
“That was a big call was it? For me it was an easy call. He played great,” Marsch said, when asked if he felt it was a tricky decision to pick the £1.5million (Leeds Live) signing from Arsenal – as per the BBC’s Adam Pope.
Marsch talks big call on Leeds star Greenwood, after Brentford win
Greenwood has shown Leeds fans that next season, he has an enormous future at Elland Road. Leeds can sign players, the look as if they are finally going to get Brenden Aaronson. But Greenwood has massive potential.
Much like Mateusz Klich, Greenwood can play as a six, an eight or even as a 10. He joined Leeds initially from Arsenal as a striker. He is the perfect kind of player for Leeds and next season, if given the time, he will blossom.
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