Klich axed: Whelan wants ‘first name on teamsheet’ to replace exhausted Pole in Leeds clash v Chelsea
Noel Whelan has urged Marcelo Bielsa to replace Mateusz Klich with Stuart Dallas in the Leeds United midfield.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Northern Ireland international could also take Tyler Roberts’ position in the side ahead of Saturday’s clash against Chelsea.
Dallas, 29, has established himself as a favourite under Bielsa and is rarely out of the starting XI.
Primarily used as a left-back, his versatility has proven valuable for Leeds this season.
He had a run of starts between January and February as an advanced midfielder, though he has since dropped back into defence.
However, with Klich and Roberts struggling, Whelan has suggested moving Dallas back into the centre of the park.
“Stuart Dallas is a player that can play anywhere and will give you that consistency and quality,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I’ve been so impressed with Dallas. He’s been an ever-present and he’s the first one on my team sheet. I wouldn’t be afraid to put him anywhere in the starting line-up, quite frankly.
“He gives you that much consistency, quality, bravery on the ball, desire, speed, attitude. It’s all there. He’s been such an integral part of this Marcelo Bielsa outfit.
“He does give you that energy, that forward-thinking that some other players don’t. Tyler Roberts playing in that position, very rarely does he run in behind the backline.
“I think Dallas would be more dynamic there, he’d be braver running past defenders. He also links up better with the wide-men.
“However, right now, you look at Mateusz Klich. He’s not giving you the energy you need. I would actually put him in there before Mateusz Klich.”
In other news, an ex-manager claims Jack Harrison may be in the “red zone” at Leeds United.