During an interview with Football Insider, Alex Bruce has predicted Leeds United to make a move for Matty Cash this summer. The former Hull City defender believes that the Nottingham Forest star is among the quality players in the Championship and the Whites could move for him, especially if they do gain promotion to the top-flight next season.
Matty Cash: A vital cog for Nottingham Forest
A product of the Nottingham youth academy, Cash has been one of the ever-present figures in the first-team for the past couple of seasons. Since 2016, he has already notched up 135 competitive appearances for the club and is now considered as a critical component in Sabri Lamouchi’s Forest setup.
Indeed, Cash has been involved in seven goals in 36 matches so far this season. That number is pretty impressive for someone who has predominantly featured as a right-back this term. Not to mention, the 22-year-old has averaged over 1.1 key passes per game, becoming one of Nottingham’s main sources of creativity.
Defensively, Cash has attempted a whopping 3.7 tackles per game with a success rate of 75%. He has also averaged 2.8 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game, which is indicative of his commitment in the backline. And those contributions have indeed proven to be critical as Nottingham Forest have still somehow managed to remain out of the relegation zone.
Should Leeds United go all out for Matty Cash?
Cash would certainly be a welcome addition to the Leeds United setup next season. The Whites currently lack reinforcements in the right-back department, with Luke Ayling being the only viable option. He can, therefore, compete with the 28-year-old for a place in the first-team.
Meanwhile, the fact that Cash can operate in a more attacking role on the right flank could serve as a boon for Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine mastermind will have limited options in the wider attacking positions, even if Jack Harrison remain at Elland Road next season. The Nottingham Forest star, in that regard, could provide backup for Helder Costa at right-wing.
However, what makes Cash such an appealing target for Leeds United is his defensive commitment and discipline. These are tailor-made qualities for anyone playing under Bielsa, meaning the 22-year-old is tactically compatible for the ex-Lazio boss. It could go a long way in helping him settle into the club much faster.
And with that in mind, it would perhaps be a wise decision for the Whites to go all out for Cash this summer if they are to strengthen their squad further and compete in the Premier League next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
