Fans of Leeds United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Phil Hay shared an article concerning Leeds centre-back, Pascal Struijk.
In the article, written by Hay for The Athletic, the journalist stated that Struijk, who was only included in the Leeds side that lost 4-3 to Liverpool at the weekend because of a failed Liam Cooper fitness test, ‘held his own as Marcelo Bielsa’s left-sided centre-back’.
In his tweet, Hay stated that the defender’s performance ‘pushed him further up the pecking order’ in the United side, which led to a great deal of Leeds fans commenting with their opinions on the matter. Many of them agreed that the 21-year-old performed admirably against the Premier League champions.
Really like him, his and Shackleton's form were 2 of the good stories of season end, probably lost amid the understandable hysterical celebration
— Denny Ryan (@albertcapillas) September 16, 2020
Will be brilliant for us https://t.co/CkTAmomesE
— Stephen Barry (@StephenBarry20) September 16, 2020
Pascal turning into yet another great young find
— IsThatConfirmed ? (@IsThatConfirmed) September 16, 2020
What a talent
— Dáithí (@David9LUFC) September 16, 2020
Top player #MOT ???
— King Pablo ???? #LEEDSCHAMPIONS #ALAW #MOT (@PabloH1919) September 16, 2020
Since joining Leeds from Ajax back in 2018, Struijk has featured just six times for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
However, in his Premier League debut against Liverpool, the 21-year-old did indeed impress, earning a WhoScored match rating of 7.00, despite the fact that he was part of a defence that shipped four goals.
This high rating is likely to be down to the fact that the centre-back made four tackles, three interceptions and 11 clearances in the match, as well as making a total of 59 passes, 88.1% of which were successful.
And it would seem that many more Leeds fans are in agreement with Hay that Struijk impressed, as they continued to praise the defender on Twitter.
Would you start Struijk against Fulham following his performance against Liverpool?
Yes
No
He was thrown in at the last minute, along side a player he has known for 3 days, and against the best forward line in the world. He did make that mistake for their goal, but grew into the game along with Koch. Big future ahead of him, and Bielsa will make him even better.
— Sabella68 (@sabella68) September 16, 2020
I think vvd wanted his shirt after that performance from struijk
— LUFC James (@JamessLUFC) September 16, 2020
Could save us a fortune, might not need a new CB once coops is fit
— Mark??? (@MarkSheppy67) September 16, 2020
Another feather in Orta’s cap. He looks a fantastic prospect.
— Jezaldinho (@Jezaldinho) September 16, 2020
Defo worth a starting place for me got all the skills just needs game time ?
— Graham noble (@Grahamnoble12) September 16, 2020
This lad is gonna be a great player
— John Cunningham (@JohnCun47069856) September 16, 2020
All in all, it seems as if these Leeds fans were delighted with Struijk’s performance against Liverpool, and are very much looking forward to seeing how the defender continues to develop at their club.