Sam Greenwood has revealed his intentions following his departure from Leeds United, commenting on a Whites “genius” and his greatest position since joining Middlesbrough.
Greenwood, a former Arsenal youth player, joined Leeds in August 2020 but has since left the club to join rival Championship side Middlesbrough on a season-long loan. Greenwood, a talented Sunderland-born player, is returning to his native north-east in order to “kick on” at the Riverside.
Greenwood was restricted to 35 games in three years at Leeds, the most of which came under a coach who the Boro loanee has praised as a “genius” in Marcelo Bielsa.
Greenwood reflected on his time at Leeds, telling the Northern Echo: “It was really tough, but I would say Bielsa is a genius at what he does.”
“Without having a particularly close relationship with the players, he maintains his distance, and his knowledge is astounding.” The level of training is really high. To get through each day, you must be really psychologically tough.
“I had a fantastic time at Leeds.” It’s lots of fantastic individuals, and people like Kalvin Phillips really looked after new men, especially little lads. We experienced many ups and downs.
“But right now, I’m just happy to be playing for Middlesbrough.” I’m aware of how large this club is and how popular it is. I can’t wait to get started.”
During his three years at Leeds, Greenwood has played in a variety of roles, originally as a striker or central offensive midfielder but later as a holding midfielder under Jesse Marsch. The England under-21 international has also seen action on the wings.
“My actual position is striker or 10,” Greenwood reasoned. “I like to shoot from anywhere around the box, I take set-pieces, I’m both footed and I create scoring chances.”
“When I was playing midfield, he (Jesse Marsch) noticed something different about my passing range and said I was good at counter pressing, so he moved me there.” But my primary position is up front and anyplace near the top.
“Even if you don’t realise it at the time, playing in different positions can help.”
