Jesse Marsch watched Leeds United play out a goalless draw with Brentford at Elland Road yesterday afternoon.
Leeds probably edged the contest, yet struggled to truly test David Raya with a flurry of chances.
Brentford were limited to no shots on Illan Meslier’s goal, yet Raya was comfortable enough in dealing with Rodrigo and Willy Gnonto’s efforts, in what were Leeds’ best opportunities.
The result leaves Leeds sitting narrowly above the Premier League relegation zone, with their next league fixture not coming until February 4th now.
We reflect on events at Elland Road yesterday, taking a look at TWO players who excelled for Marsch:
Max Wober
In the absence of Liam Cooper, Wober was drafted into Leeds’ back-four, surprisingly at centre-back despite the club’s insistence that he was brought in to play left-back, a berth that Pascal Struijk occupied again.
The decision was a good one from Marsch, with Wober impressive in the heart of defence, organising the defensive unit, bringing the best out of Robin Koch and helping to deal with the difficult threat of Ivan Toney.
As per Wyscout, the 24-year-old was successful with 74% of his total actions, winning 100% of his defensive duels within that (7/7).
Wober read the game superbly from left centre-back, making four interceptions and 16 recoveries, whilst not committing a foul.
In possession, the former Salzburg captain stepped out superbly, completing 37 of 47 passes and only actually directly losing possession to a Brentford player on eight occasions.
Cooper has so often been a big miss for Leeds, but the lack of his presence wasn’t an issue yesterday, such was Wober’s influence on the game.
The big updated Max Wöber quiz – How well do you know Leeds United’s January recruit?
Robin Koch
Luke Ayling and Jack Harrison had very good games yesterday, whilst Marc Roca and Tyler Adams were really influential in the midfield for much of the afternoon.
Yet, yesterday was about a big defensive improvement from Leeds, with Wober bringing out the best of Koch.
The German international’s role against Toney was slightly different to Wober, with Koch going toe-to-toe with the Brentford striker and involving himself in the physical battle.
Koch won 67% of his defensive duels, including six of eight aerial duels (Wyscout). There were five interceptions and a mammoth 26 ball recoveries and three clearances.
Irritatingly, there were two fouls and one yellow card, which now rules Koch out of Leeds’ clash with Nottingham Forest owing to suspension.
Fingers crossed that, beyond that game, Koch can build on this outing.
Should Marsch have been sacked?
Marsch in
Marsch out
