Noel Whelan has backed Leeds United's decision to offer Mateusz Klich a new long-term contract, although he has criticised the midfielder for his penalty miss against Derby County last weekend.

Klich was an extremely influential player for Leeds in the Championship last season and started every league and play-off game for the Whites, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists.

The 29-year-old has been a key player for Leeds so far this season and has made nine appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

Klich's contract at Leeds is due to expire at the end of the season, but it was reported earlier this week that the midfielder has agreed a new long-term deal, which he is set to sign in the next few days.

Whelan has admitted that it will be a major boost if Leeds can get Klich to commit his long-term future to Elland Road.

The former Leeds striker believes Klich is one of the best midfielders in the Championship, although he has criticised the player for his recent penalty miss against Derby.

“It’s important to keep Klich, there’s no better midfielder in the Championship at the moment,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“I like what he does on and off the ball, and he buys into what Marcelo Bielsa wants.

“He missed the penalty last weekend, which was embarrassing. A player of his quality should not be missing the goal, which for a professional player is criminal. Had he scored, we would have won easily.

“But, overall, he deserves a new contract as he does a great job from midfield. He’s not scored as many goals this season, but I think that will come for him. He needs to be more ruthless and so do the whole team.”

The Verdict

I completely agree with Whelan here. Klich was magnificent for Leeds in the Championship last season and was able to transform himself into one of the best midfielders outside of the top flight.

It's vital that the club are able to keep hold of him and it'll be a major boost if they can get him tied down to a new long-term deal.

His performances so far this season have been impressive, but he probably should've scored a few more goals, although I think that's something that will come as the campaign progresses.

He'll be really disappointed with himself for missing the penalty against Derby though, as Leeds would've almost certainly won the game had he of scored and he'll be keen to put things right by scoring against Charlton tomorrow.