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Ben Parker has given huge praise to Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk for his performance in the previous game.

The Whites recorded a decent result by drawing 0-0 with an in-form Chelsea team at Elland Road last weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side took a point from their fixture with Chelsea last Saturday, which leaves them 12th in the table.

Parker has given a special mention to Struijk for his individual display, as he slotted into the heart of defence in the absence of club captain Liam Cooper.

The 21-year-old helped the Yorkshire giants keep a clean sheet with a dominant performance, showing he’s a mature defender for his age and has great strength.

Parker feels that the Dutchman excelled in a position he fits best.

“He just seems to be getting better and better and better every single game,” Parker told LS11.

“It was a surprise to see Liam Cooper not in the starting line [against Chelsea], but it was good timing to have Pascal fit because that’s the natural position for him.

“Left-footed, lefts-sided centre-back. He’s only played there one or two times this season, he’s rather been on the right side or holding midfield. But he just settled into the game so well.”

TBR’s View:

Struijk’s versatility has made him a big part of the Leeds first team this season, as he’s switched between defence and midfield fairly regularly.

But it’s quite clear that long-term he’s a centre-half option at Elland Road.

If he can get a run of games in the side at centre-back, there is every chance he could keep improving and to be doing what he is already at such a young age is impressive.

But it’ll be intriguing to see what role he plays once centre-backs Cooper, Diogo Llorente and Robin Koch are all available at the same time.