Despite a slow start in terms of transfer business, Leeds United have picked it up of late having announced a few new signings in the recent weeks. A few departures have also been confirmed including the surprise exit of fan favourite Pontus Jansson. Although the Whites have loaned in Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion, the necessity of a fourth choice centre-back has been highlighted, particularly after the egress of academy duo Hugo Diaz and Aapo Halme.
Skipper Liam Cooper needs to be more resilient defensively following some costly errors towards the closure of the previous campaign. Gaetano Berardi had an injury-ravaged 2018-19 as his sending off against Derby County resulted in Leeds’ playoff semifinal heartbreak despite having an away lead in the first leg.
Kalvin Phillips was utilised as a makeshift centre-back to cope up with injuries. However, the future of the homegrown Englishman remains uncertain amid interest from a host of Premier League outfits. This might see teenager Pascal Struijk experiencing senior minutes after impressing for the U23s since joining the Yorkshire giants from Ajax in January 2018.
Early Career And Promises
The 19-year-old centre-back had spells with ADO Den Haag and Ajax before plying his trade in England. He has also represented the Netherlands at Under-17 level and played a pivotal role in Leeds U23’s delightful campaign. His towering display at Thorp Arch did not get unnoticed as Marcelo Bielsa, known for promoting the youth and backing them with senior minutes, has made him a key part of the Whites’ pre-season preparations.
Attributes And How He Would Boost Leeds Defensively
Despite being in his teenage, Struijk has shown great composure both aerially as well as physically. He prefers to operate from the left-hand side of the central defence and could also be deployed down the left if the gaffer prefers a ‘back three’ to tweak his set-up.
The youngster is fast, timely with his tackles and interceptions, also loves to play the ball out from the back rather than making long clearances under pressure. This is something Bielsa prefers from his defenders while turning the defence into attacking threats and the ongoing pre-season is touted to be massive for the defensive prodigy who is currently shaping up as a breakout star at Elland Road.
He would have his chances in the long season ahead and must replicate his form at the senior level to stake a claim and cement his place in Bielsa’s plans.
