Leeds United stars Tyler Adams and Marc Roca blew Dean Ashton away against Aston Villa on Friday. But the pundit also highlighted an issue with Jesse Marsch’s system in his praise.
Unai Emery’s Villans dealt the Whites a 2-1 defeat in Birmingham with goals by Leon Bailey (3’) and Emiliano Buendia (64’). Patrick Bamford (83’) got one back for the Elland Road club in the late stages. But the striker could not inspire a comeback in the Premier League clash.
Adams opened the Villa Park affair for his 16th appearance for Leeds since a £20m transfer from RB Leipzig last July. While Roca enjoyed his 19th outing under Marsch since his £10m move from Bayern Munich in June. The Spaniard has earned 18 appearances in the league.
Marsch has often favoured a midfield core of Adams and Roca at Leeds so far this season. The pair anchored his engine room once again at Aston Villa this Friday before Roca made way for Sam Greenwood. The striker came on after 77 minutes with the Villans 2-0 ahead.
Roca proved dispensable for Marsch to add extra firepower to his team as the 26-year-old enjoyed less success than Adams. Emery’s men occasionally managed to catch the former Spain U21 prospect out of position. His passing was also to a lower standard than Adams’.
Adams and Roca blew Ashton away despite Aston Villa beating Leeds 2-1
Adams was instrumental for Leeds at Aston Villa as he consistently protected the Whites’ backline. But Ashley Young also tackled the 36-cap USA star, who captained his nation at the World Cup, inside the Villans’ box soon before Buendia would score at the other end.
Nonetheless, Adams and Roca blew Ashton away at Aston Villa with their efforts for Leeds. But the former West Ham United and England striker also feels Marsch’s system often left the midfielders exposed. Brenden Aaronson started in the central, attacking midfield role.
“Adams and Roja have been absolutely unbelievable,” he said on talkSPORT (13/01, 21:26). “They’re outnumbered in the middle of the pitch but that hasn’t mattered to them. The amount of energy they have is incredible.”
Per WhoScored, only Young (10) attempted a higher volume of tackles than Adams (8) as Aston Villa beat Leeds 2-1. Roca attempted three during his time on the pitch, which was the joint-third most by a Whites player behind Adams (8) and centre-back Robin Koch (4).
Young also won possession with eight of his tackles to Adams on seven. While Koch – who won three tackles of his tackles – also led the match for interceptions (4). Roca – who won two of his tackles – recorded two interceptions. Adams would only intercept the ball once.
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