Jesse Marsch pushes back on Leeds United assumption Roca-Adams midfield is a foregone conclusion

Big money on signings like Marc Roca and Tyler Adams makes it easy to believe they have a stranglehold on Leeds United's midfield department, but they do have competition. Mateusz Klich, Sam Greenwood, Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray will all hope to turn Jesse Marsch’s head next season, but there’s also a member of the leadership council with something to say about that middle pairing.

Adam Forshaw, one of the few feel-good stories from last season after his return from injury, will not be easily swept to one side by the new boys. He played a key role in the two goals scored against Brisbane Roar last week and drew praise from Marsch.

Roca’s Bayern Munich past and Adams’s history with Marsch will give them a boost coming into the Elland Road pecking order, but Forshaw was among United’s best players when he was fit last term. The head coach was asked about Forshaw's claim to a starting spot last week and the American was clear his midfield is no foregone conclusion.

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“Adam’s an important player for us,” he said. “He's a big leader for us. He helped set up a couple of goals with some of the plays he made. He's a very reliable leader and player for us. No question.”

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