They say a player gets satisfaction when he is praised for his performances by fans and pundits, but he gets the utmost satisfaction when his fellow teammate applauds his displays. It is the ultimate accolade from a player’s point of view. One such player is Pascal Struijk, the Leeds United defender, who has seen his stock rise over the last few weeks due to his strong displays for the West Yorkshire club.
Club Captain Liam Cooper has showered praise on Struijk saying that the Belgian-born Dutch defender has been ‘unbelievable and a different class’ this term. Cooper, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds said that Struijk and fellow defender Diego Llorente have been brilliant this season. He said, “Pascal and Diego have been different class and all I could do was try and push them and work hard all week. Pascal’s been unbelievable this season and now we’ve got four players going for the two positions. It’s only healthy. You know if you have a couple of bad games you’re out of the team and the next man’s waiting to take your spot.”
But what exactly does 21-year-old Pascal Struijk bring to the Leeds United squad?
A left-footed defender Struijk was signed in January of 2018 from the Ajax youth academy, when Leeds were still in the Championship, by manager Marcelo Bielsa in a bid to bolster his defence and maintain squad depth as well, as has he looked to mount a promotion charge in the second half of the season. However, Struijk would not make his first-team debut until December 2019, instead featuring for the U-23s side regularly.
The Dutch youngster has been praised for his versatility and he can play the role of a defensive midfielder quite well in addition to being a centre-back. A student of the famed Dutch ‘Total Football’ philosophy is said to be the most progressive centre-back that Leeds United have currently. He can fill holes seamlessly all over the pitch and is an excellent cover for Kalvin Phillips too.
In the first few opening games of the season, Leeds United were one of the most vulnerable teams at the back. Injuries to club captain and first-choice centre-back Liam Cooper did not help and Robin Koch also succumbed to a few injuries early in the season. However, Struijk has been ever-present at the back and has put in strong displays whenever called upon. Not for nothing former Leeds United striker, Noel Whelan was showering praise after praise on Struijk for his displays this season when talking to BBC Radio Leeds.
Struijk has been widely tipped as one to watch in the future. He has kept himself fit and is capable of showing his longevity as the years go by. He is fast and has a good eye for a pass. Like most Ajax youth products, Struijk has put in performances more mature than his age would suggest. A calm and composed defender, Pascal Struijk has the ability and the potential to become one of the best progressive centre-backs for Leeds for years to come.
