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‘Would feel like something of a surprise’ – Leeds United selection decision facing Marcelo Bielsa: Our View

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Pascal Struijk continues to thrive in the Leeds United defence under Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds have been utilising a three-man defensive unit at times, with Struijk joining Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente.

That pair are what’s recognised as the first choice, although Struijk’s recent outings are convincing many he should be in the side.

The 22-year-old has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, despite serving a three-match suspension. In his last outing, he was involved in both Leeds goals in a 2-1 win against Norwich City.

Kris (FA5) and Toby (Neutral) discuss whether Struijk has made himself undroppable with his recent performances:

He’s getting very close to starting permanently for me, but I still think Liam Cooper is going to keep his place and for good reason.

He might be more error-prone typically, but Cooper has been our most consistent defender this term and he should be rewarded for that.

Having said that, I can’t see Struijk being kept out of the lineup for too much longer because he’s clearly our second-best behind Diego Llorente.

There’s no need to rush him into starts when he’s only 22, because he’s got 10 years at the top level.

I would love to see him start permanently because he’s a classy player, but Bielsa’s faith still lays with Cooper so I can’t say he’s undroppable yet.

You do seem to get the feeling that Struijk is rather close to becoming undroppable at Leeds.

Ever since he came into the side early last season, Struijk has looked composed and confident in defence for Marcelo Bielsa’s team, producing some crucial performances.

As a result, it would seem rather harsh to take the 22-year-old out of the side if he is not unavailable for fitness or suspension reasons, and Bielsa’s recent comments only seem to back that up further.

Indeed, Struijk has also coped well with the switch to a back three, and in midfield recently, with that versatility another attribute that makes him an important assed to this side, so it would feel like something of a surprise if we do not see a lot more of him in a Leeds shirt in the coming seasons.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.