Marcelo Bielsa will have to call on Leeds United teenager Pascal Struijk at some point this season, according to Noel Whelan.
The Yorkshire giants look to lack some depth in the heart of defence since Pontus Jansson left for Brentford, and BBC Radio Leeds pundit Whelan believes that their manager may have to turn to the 6’3″ Belgian for cover [Transfermarkt].
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I don’t expect he’ll be on the bench but I expect to see him at some point throughout the season because of the thinness of our squad.
“Marcelo Bielsa likes to keep his squad trim and he usually only brings in a new face when there’s injuries. Every one of the under-23s, because of the season they had, have a chance.”
TiF Tactics – What does it mean for Leeds?
For one thing, Struijk is a bit of a unit, and if United are looking for a physical presence to step into the breach when required, they could do a lot worse than the youngster.
That being said, he is vasty inexperienced at senior level, and is yet to make his bow for the first team.
Does that mean he would be out of his depth? Not necessarily, but it will be a massive ask for him to replace Jansson when called upon.
The big Swede was a standout for United last term, making an average of 4.1 clearances and 2.3 tackles per match [Whoscored].
Those are big numbers to emulate, and for all of his promise, Struijk may struggle.
Is he likely to be involved?
If Bielsa doesn’t recruit, then yes, almost certainly.
Leeds look understaffed at the heart of defence, and there are few leagues in the world as long and arduous as the Championship.
If United were able to get through the entirety of a league campaign without picking up some kind of injury or suspension at the back, it would be a minor miracle.
The sad truth is, miracles don’t happen too often at Elland Road anymore.