Beren Cross of Leeds Live has claimed that Pascal Struijk ‘has to be held accountable’ for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ goal in Leeds United’s 2-1 victory.
All in all, it was a positive day for Leeds United as they started their Premier League season by coming from behind to defeat Wolves, courtesy of goals from Rodrigo and an own goal from Rayan Ait-Nouri – which Brenden Aaronson played a large part in.
It is the type of start that Jesse Marsch can build on, but Cross was still left unimpressed with Struijk performance, saying in his player ratings for Leeds Live: “Has to be held accountable for leaving Hwang Hee-Chan to nod the cross down for Daniel Podence to open the scoring. Got caught on the turn a few times down his flank.”
It is the type of error that Marsch will hope not to see again anytime soon, with every mistake costly in the Premier League.
TIF Thoughts on Strujik’s performance…
Struijk can count himself lucky that Leeds managed to overturn the deficit to claim all three points against Wolves for the perfect start. His mistake may well cost him, however, with Marsch perhaps given the indication of what needs to change in his side.
As Premier League games come thick and fast, too, Leeds will know that they are unlikely to get away with all three points every time after mistakes such as Struijk’s.
From here, the defender’s performance leaves Marsch with a slight conundrum ahead of squaring off against Southampton away from Elland Road, as the Saints look to bounce back from an opening day thumping against Tottenham Hotspur.
…or rather the board should be held accountable for not signing an actual left back to play at left back….
If it’s time to apportion blame look no further than Orta. He has the role of buying players needed for the squad. Orta is very aware that we NEEDED a left back and another striker; so where are they? Why hasn’t he found suitable players who want to play here, and believe me there are many quality players that would jump to the chance. I was relieved to see Leeds win. We were denied a justified penalty but we were a bit lucky to scrape the win.
Leeds cannot afford to luck or gamble on any weak position in the team not being strengthened. Time for Orta and crew to quit pining over CDK (KFC) and get the job done.
I appreciate it’s not so easy but that’s what he is well paid for.