Versatile Northern Ireland International Stuart Dallas is one of those types of players that can often go underappreciated, not necessarily an eye-catching performer but one whose impact is only really noted when it’s not there.
This cannot be said of Leeds’ fans feelings towards Dallas though. Whether playing at full-back, wide or centrally in midfield, the 28-year-old’s consistency and commitment to the cause is duly noted and gratefully received by the Elland Road faithful.
In a team full of talented craftsmen such as Mateusz Klich, Helder Costa, Egzijan Alioski and the superb Pablo Hernandez, Dallas’ versatility, mobility and straightforward effervescent and combative qualities are a vital part of the mix created by Marcelo Bielsa as United push for a long-awaited Premier League return.
With regular skipper Liam Cooper likely to be sidelined through injury for the foreseeable future, Dallas is likely to take over the armband and leadership role (he did so when Cooper limped off in the midweek victory over West Brom) and United fans have been on Twitter to acknowledge this and Dallas’ superb performances for the side of late. Here’s what’s being said:
Step up our new captain for the next 6 weeks???? #lufc pic.twitter.com/p60YZKulqx
— Barney © (@BarneyStuart21) October 2, 2019
Player of the season so far for me
— Andrew Swan Esq. ➡️ (@swanandrew) October 2, 2019
@dallas_stuart is a hero. Best player this season.
— Darragh Cunningham (@DarraghC81) October 2, 2019
One of most under rated players in the championship. Oozing with class
— Luke Newsome (@LukeNewsome91) October 3, 2019
Many Leeds fans feel Dallas has been a model of consistency for some time now and has indeed been their best performer this season thus far.
Very much like Cooper,respected by others,decent selfless good all round bloke,would be a good choice
— ChimayBielsa (@rgandy2_gandy) October 2, 2019
Happy with dat ????
— Pete. Leave EU !???????????????? (@BadgeSmiley) October 3, 2019
Good choice x
— pauline Thompson (@Apothecary2019) October 2, 2019
The cookstown cafu #MOT
— thomasdorrian10 (@thomasdorrian) October 2, 2019
Plenty of United fans also voiced their support for Dallas to be named captain in the absence of Cooper, claiming he has the right characteristics for the role – while one went as far as labelling Dallas as Northern Ireland’s version of legendary Brazilian full-back Cafu!