Dominic Matteo expresses sympathy for Leeds youngster Pascal Struijk

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Dominic Matteo has told the Yorkshire Evening Post of the sympathy he has for Pascal Struijk with the youngster tasked with filling in for Kalvin Phillips in Leeds United’s side in recent times.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been without Phillips for their last three games due to injury. And it has been Struijk who has started two of those fixtures in his place.

It has not been an easy time for the Dutchman. He was replaced after just 21 minutes against Aston Villa after collecting an early yellow card.

And he struggled in the Whites’ final clash before the break as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Unfortunately, that result came after a loss by the same scoreline earlier in the week. On that occasion, it was Mateusz Klich who seemed to play in the deepest role.

It remains to be seen if Phillips is fit enough to return to face Arsenal on Sunday. Matteo certainly seemed to suggest that Leeds would benefit hugely from having him back – before insisting that he can empathise with Struijk.

TBR View: Struijk still showing glimpses of real potential despite tough start

Leeds supporters would have never believed it had they been told at the start of the year that Struijk would end up establishing himself as the Englishman’s understudy.

But Struijk was outstanding in the final games of last season. And he has shown glimpses of real quality in the Premier League – both as a centre-back and a holding midfielder.

Of course, Phillips’s absence has helped highlight just how important he is. But Struijk still deserves credit for the way he has stepped up.