Leeds United beat one of La Liga’s top-four sides Real Sociedad 2-1 at Elland Road in a friendly on Friday night and it was 23-year-old defender Pascal Struijk who received all the plaudits.
As per LeedsLive, the centre-back turned left-back, stood out as one of the best players on the pitch and was labelled ‘tremendous’ by former White’s left-back Tony Dorigo. The young defender was a rock at the back and a danger at the other end. His ferocious drive from more than 20 yards levelled the game at 1-1 after the Whites had gone behind early in the match. Struijk had been excellent last season and has carried his form into this campaign, although it’s been a very different situation for him having to play regularly at left-back, he has relished the challenge.
The 23-year-old was a standout performer against Real Sociedad as Leeds United came-from-behind to win 2-1 at Elland Road | #LUFC https://t.co/ORI2SgmPLi
— Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) December 18, 2022
He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders at the club and he has deputised for the injured Junior Firpo superbly. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, came from behindwho originally included him in his preliminary World Cup squad for Qatar. Unfortunately, he narrowly missed out on the final selection but many feel it is just a matter of time until he gets his call-up.
Dorigo said, “Pascal, he really has been tremendous this season, having to play at left-back, we know how good his defensive qualities are. Going forward I think he has just got better and better and here, well, this is the shot of a centre half. No messing about, no fancy curling it in the top corner, give it a thump. What a goal and what a strike.”
Leeds play their last of three friendlies this week when they face French Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco at Elland Road as preparations are well underway for the season resumption against Manchester City on December the 28th. The Whites then have a tough trip to Newcastle United at the end of the month before the January transfer window opens with Jesse Marsch hoping to add some much-needed quality to his squad.
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