Pascal Struijk threatening to help fill Ben White void at Leeds

Add as preferred source on Google

When Leeds United were struggling to contain relegation-threatened Barnsley at Elland Road on Thursday, Marcelo Bielsa sprung a big surprise by taking off Jack Harrison for Pascal Struijk.

The Whites could not settle into the game and seemed to struggle to find a system that would halt the Championship’s bottom side’s momentum.

But the decision to introduce Struijk ultimately proved to be an inspired one. The Dutchman was excellent in holding midfield. He read the game superbly, and produced some nice passes that relieved the pressure.

And the 20-year-old followed that up with another excellent display on his full debut for the Whites as Leeds beat Derby County 3-1 in their first game as champions.

Once again, Struijk looked more than comfortable in his surroundings. They have been the kind of displays that arguably highlight that the youngster is ready to play a more prominent role next season – even at a higher level.

Of course, holding midfield is not an easy area for a player to break through into the Leeds side. Kalvin Phillips, when fit, is one of the first names on Bielsa’s teamsheet.

But there is a void elsewhere that Bielsa may have to consider filling ahead of next season.

Could Struijk help fill void if White does not return?

Centre-back is almost definitely going to be one area Leeds have to strengthen this summer. Ben White’s loan move ends soon and Gaetano Berardi faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being injured against the Rams.

Putting faith in Struijk would appear a huge gamble, particularly as these last two performances have come in midfield.

But Struijk looks to have the potential to, at least, be a fantastic understudy for a potential summer signing.

And of course, few could have imagined quite how impressive White would be having not previously played at a level higher than League One.

It is asking a lot to expect Struijk to step into the void White may leave. But his last two performances certainly hint that he could be a real contender to follow in the centre-back’s footsteps and be the surprise of the season next year.