Pascal Struijk shares which role in Leeds side he prefers

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Pascal Struijk has told Sky Sports that centre-back is indeed his preferred role, while he suggested that the game-time he has enjoyed for Leeds United this season has surpassed his expectations.

This time last year, Struijk had made only a couple of appearances for the first-team at Elland Road. And ultimately, it would only be in the final three games of last season that the Dutchman would add to his tally.

However, he was inspired as Leeds sealed promotion. And despite the Whites signing Diego Llorente and Robin Koch in the summer, Struijk has been a key man.

He has made 16 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the top flight. He has not looked out of place, producing some colossal performances along the way.

It seems that Struijk has been just as surprised with how much of a revelation he has been, as he shared what his expectations for this season were.

“I have to say, my expectations for the season have already been achieved,” he told Sky Sports. “So now I’m just focusing on what I can do more. The upcoming games I hopefully I can play if not then, so be it.

“I was actually hoping for like three starts in the whole season. So that’s done! My expectations weren’t that high.”

Like several members of Bielsa’s squad, Struijk has showcased his versatility this term. The 21-year-old has also been deployed in holding midfield on a few occasions.

It was actually that role that presented Struijk with the opportunity to return to the side last season. But he suggested that he sees his long-term future in the backline.

“I don’t mind coming in there if the team needs me, but I prefer being at centre-back,” he added.

TBR View: Centre-back looks to be Struijk’s best role

Plenty of Leeds fans will be pleased to hear Struijk’s comments about being a centre-back. He has looked much more comfortable in defence than he did in midfield.

Of course, much may depend on whether Bielsa agrees. But given Kalvin Phillips’s importance to the side, it looks a safe bet to assume that he is going to get a lot more opportunities in the back four.