Noel Whelan praises Bielsa’s Adam Forshaw decision in Leeds draw

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Adam Forshaw replacing Samuel Saiz was a surprise change made by Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest.

Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that Marcelo Bielsa clearly made the right call to drop Samuel Saiz and replace him with Adam Forshaw ahead of Leeds’ clash with Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.

The Whites end the weekend second in the Championship after securing a 1-1 draw with Forest. Kemar Roofe’s highly controversial goal cancelled out Jack Robinson’s opener for the visitors.

There was something of a surprise for Leeds fans when the teams were announced ahead of kick-off. Saiz dropped down to the bench as Forshaw made his first league start of the season.

Forshaw was certainly one of Leeds’ better players and was lauded by the supporters after the game. And similarly, Whelan felt that Bielsa made an inspired decision with the change.

“Yeah I think so,” he told BBC Radio Leeds when asked whether Bielsa made the right call handing Forshaw a start.

“I thought he had an excellent game, really heavily involved throughout the whole game. He won his challenges, stepped in to pinch the ball, drove forward. He’s an excellent player, we know that. It’s a shame he’s been injured this season. We saw the best of him this evening. And he’s not too far away from his first goal either.”

While Saiz has not enjoyed the best season so far, it did appear that Leeds missed him for much of the game. The Whites had no problem getting themselves into Forest’s final third, but continually failed to make the right pass at the crucial moment.

Saiz has not been as influential, but undoubtedly boasts the quality to unlock any Championship defence.

Having said that, Forshaw more than vindicated Bielsa’s decision to start him and Jack Clarke actually looked much more dangerous than Saiz when the pair were brought on with 25 minutes to go.