Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Kieran King

The four Leeds United players who have benefited the most from Jesse Marsch's arrival

It has been a successful few weeks for Jesse Marsch, who has guided Leeds United to back-to-back victories for the first time since January. The Whites came out on top in what was billed as 'six-pointer' against Norwich City, before beating Wolverhampton Wanderers in a five-goal thriller last Friday.

They were his first two wins since replacing Marcelo Bielsa in the Elland Road dugout last month. Those results have saw the Whites climb seven points clear of the relegation zone - giving them a much better chance of staying in the Premier League.

There is no doubt that some players have improved under Marsch and have stepped up since the Whites lost six successive matches. LeedsLive have taken a look at four, in particular, who have benefited from the American.

READ MORE: Sergio Gomez profiled as Leeds United linked with 'talented' Anderlecht left-back

Rodrigo

Having struggled for form at the start of the season, Rodrigo has seemingly found a new lease of life in recent matches. The Spain international was utilised in a deeper position during Bielsa's reign in charge, but Marsch has decided to use him as a second striker.

It is a position that Rodrigo is thriving in, as he is getting closer to goal and more involved Leeds' attacks where he can directly contribute to a goal. This is similar to where he played at Valencia and made a name for himself for his all-round game. So far, Rodrigo has scored twice in Marsch's four games.

He only netted three times in 19 previous matches this season, proving that Marsch is getting the best out of him. Rodrigo has also averaged more shots, key passes and successful dribbles since the American arrived.

Mateusz Klich

Another player who has improved, Marsch has managed to find Klich's best position in the Leeds side. The 31-year-old has partnered either Adam Forshaw or Robin Koch in a midfield-two and this has allowed him to burst forward and create chances for his team-mates, while ensuring he is disciplined in his role.

Klich starred in Leeds' 2-1 win over Norwich, controlling the midfield and it helped his side to a vital three points. He registered five tackles, two key passes and 44 passes - the most out of the Whites squad on the day.

He also seems a lot more confident in possession compared to under Bielsa, having arguably been more progressive and composed on the ball. Klich has been much better in recent weeks and Leeds supporters will be hoping this continues ahead of the run-in.

Illan Meslier

Something Marsch mentioned in his first press conference was the need to make Leeds more resilient defensively. It is safe to say he has managed to do that, allowing teams to have fewer shots and clear-cut opportunities on their net.

After shipping a record 22 goals in February, there were some questions raised about Meslier's role in their defensive slump, but the Frenchman's form has no doubt improved since a slight tactical switch. Marsch has gone back to zonal marking, rather than Bielsa's man-to-man system and Leeds have been much more organised across the back-line.

Joe Gelhardt

A talented youngster, Gelhardt has been tipped by some to become an established Premier League striker in the next few years. However, in the immediate future, the 19-year-old is in an integral part of Leeds' squad as they attempt to stay in the division.

Under Bielsa, Gelhardt played an average of 14 minutes per-game. In comparison, he has clocked up 21 minutes and it seems as though he will have a bigger role in Marsch's squad given his history of developing young strikers into elite finishers, including Erling Braut Haaland and Patson Daka.

Gelhardt scored the winner in the Whites' victory over Norwich earlier in the month, tapping home Raphinha's cross and he showed plenty of desire to win the initial ball leading to the counter-attack. With Patrick Bamford out injured again, this could be Gelhardt's chance to step up and showcase his ability in the final eight games.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.