In the summer, there was talk of Mateusz Klich leaving Leeds United in order to boost his chances of playing for Poland at the World Cup – and his latest call-up shows Jesse Marsch was right to tell him to stay put, amid reported talks.
Klich, 32, has been included in the preliminary 30-man Poland squad to take on the Netherlands and Wales this month. It could see Klich face Pascal Struijk, who has also been included in the provisional 30-man Netherlands side.
It comes after some reports suggested Klich could leave in search of regular football. To solidify his place in the Poland side. But reports from his home country in August stated that Klich would remain, after talks with Leeds boss Marsch.
Klich has not been first choice. He has started just one of his side’s opening seven games. But the 40-time Poland star has come off the bench in all six of his side’s Premier League games. He was crucial in the winner against Wolves.
Now, Klich has been named in the 30-man squad for Poland to face the Netherlands and Wales. It is proof that remaining at Leeds, and playing his part as a squad player, is enough still to keep him in the World Cup reckoning.
Marsch right to tell Klich to stay at Leeds after latest Poland call-up
Klich was being linked with a move to Dutch Eredisivie side FC Utrecht. Now, while he would have been first choice, it would have been in a league where the quality is much less. The pressure would have been on Klich to produce.
It means that while he is playing against tougher opposition, the pressure is off somewhat if he has a bad game. Or, does not influence as he did against Wolves, for example. The strength of the Premier League gives him that safety.
Of course, when Klich has started, he has also produced. Named in the eleven to face Barnsley, Klich scored two of his side’s three goals to beat the Tykes 3-1 in the Carabao Cup. Klich, right now, is doing enough to earn a plane ticket.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
