OPINION
Stuart Dallas is the sort of player Leeds fans can be proud to have at their club.
The versatile 28-year-old played in the right and left of midfield, and at right and left-back for Leeds last season, and has played six games at right-back this season with Luke Ayling recovering from surgery.
He’s not just a utility player, though, he’s been a revelation as well, playing a starring role as Leeds went on a charge in the early games of the season.
However, according to BBC pundit Noel Whelan, he was left ‘broken’ after the 1-0 defeat to Swansea on Saturday.
Talking to Football Insider, Whelan said, “I spoke to Stuart Dallas after the game and he was absolutely deflated and broken by the manner of the defeat. He couldn’t believe they lost.
“You could see when the players left the pitch how down they were. I know it’s early in the season but it was a big game – first against second – and psychologically a win would have been huge.
“If you don’t take your chances, and Leeds had 21 in total, football has a habit of biting you in the backside.”
TiF tactics – Dallas on fire
Passion and commitment to the cause is one thing and Leeds fans will love how badly he’s taking the one defeat this season. But Dallas has been a star.
In the 2-0 win at Wigan, for instance, he had 75 touches with a 91% pass accuracy. He made 13/14 final third passes, put in four crosses, won three aerial duels and made two clearances [LUFC Data]. Dallas was everywhere and he’s performed at a similar level in every Championship game this season.
According to WyScout, he’s won over half of the eight duels he’s contested and made over four interceptions and two clearances every 90 minutes.
There’s an international break now before Leeds’ next Championship game against Barnsley and Dallas needs to pick himself up, dust himself down and hold his head high.
He’s been a big part of a great Leeds’ start to the season. Defeats happen, it’s how you deal with them that defines you as a player.