Bielsa raves about Leeds star Struijk after win over Norwich

Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has received huge praise from Marcelo Bielsa after Sunday’s win over Norwich – after a brilliant display.

Struijk, 22, started his third successive Premier League match as Leeds travelled south to take on Norwich. The Whites edged out a 2-1 win.

The Dutch defender was involved in both goals, getting the so-called pre-assist for both. He picked the ball up on the left and found Dan James.

An incisive pass that allowed James to turn with one touch, and spray the ball out to Raphinha who opened the scoring. Then, he won the ball back.

Tackling Ozan Kabak, he fed Kalvin Phillips who passed to Rodrigo to strike from 25 yards – the ball flying underneath Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Speaking after the win over Norwich, Bielsa was full of praise for Struijk. He complimented his versatility, and his weak-foot ability.

“Not difficult for him to play in front of the centre-backs as a DM. He did so very well against Wolves,” Bielsa said, as per Leeds Live.

“On the left of a back three he does not suffer. Great area game, manages his right foot very well. That’s so many good things in just one player.”

Bielsa on Struijk: Leeds star becoming more and more important

So much so, that it will be incredibly intriguing to see who will start for Leeds when all players are fit. He is a player Bielsa likes to rely on.

Struijk is obviously best at centre-back, and is one of four options in that area. Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch is his competition.

But you would have to say that on form – despite some decent performances from Cooper – that the starting two players are Llorente and Struijk.

Until then, Struijk might be continually used as a holding midfielder in a double pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips – which worked well on Sunday.