Leeds United: Beren Cross criticises Pascal Struijk’s performance

Journalist Beren Cross has criticised Pascal Struijk’s display as he was ‘picked apart’ in the build-up to the equaliser conceded by Leeds United.

Leeds were two goals to the good against Southampton this afternoon, but goals from Joe Aribo and Kyle Walker-Peters meant the game ended in a stalemate.

Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas have been sidelined due to injury in the opening stages of the 2022/23 season, meaning that Pascal Struijk, naturally a central defender, has had to fill in on the left side.

With the makeshift left-back playing against Southampton in the 2-2 draw, Cross slammed the Dutchman in his player ratings for Leeds Live, claiming that he was slightly ‘reckless’ throughout and at fault prior to the all-important equaliser from Walker-Peters, handing him a 6/10 rating.

Cross wrote: “A touch reckless with some of his challenges, but nothing which overstepped the line. Picked apart with the assist for the equaliser.”

Do you think Marsch will now sign a left back? Yes Vote No Vote

TIF Thoughts on Cross’ comments…

Cross may have been critical of Struijk for his display this afternoon, but there is only so much blame that a player doing a job out of position can be held accountable for, as the equaliser might not have occurred if a natural left-back was on the pitch for Leeds.

That said, Struijk was certainly shaky in possession having lost the ball 18 times during the game, while his passing also left a lot to be desired, completing just 68% of his 38 attempted passes (via SofaScore).

This performance from Struijk might be a sign that Jesse Marsch needs to bring in another left-back before the transfer window shuts, as with Firpo and Dallas out for the foreseeable, the Whites have few other options in that area of the pitch.

The draw for Leeds means that they have picked up four points from a possible six, and after last season, when they narrowly missed out on relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season, most Leeds fans will likely be pleased with their start despite squandering their commanding lead.