Exclusive: Pundit unconvinced by Leeds ace despite ‘best game’ in Whites shirt v Burnley
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson is still unconvinced by Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk, despite his “best game” yet in the 1-0 win against Burnley.
The Dutch colossal was brought into the defence to replace the injured Liam Cooper, who went off against Manchester United.
Robinson admitted that Struijk still isn’t the long-term answer at Elland Road, who need to strengthen their defence if possible.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “I thought he played well, I still don’t think he’s the long-term answer.
“If the partnership was Ayling and Struijk, I’d have been worried. I think it’s an area they would have targeted, but I think it was the best game he’s had in a Leeds shirt, and I do think that at the set-plays and everything, he was there.
“He won a lot of headers, and even his organisation appeared to be a lot better, but still it’s an area they did look shaky in, the second-half they were holding on.”
Concentrating on his latest performance, Robinson is spot on.
It’s hard to remember a better showing from Struijk since he arrived at Elland Road, but he stood up and was counted against the likes of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.
The 21-year-old won four of his aerial battles, as well as making two tackles and three interceptions according to WhoScored, dominating the Burnley front-two.
We all know Struijk isn’t the immediate answer, but hopefully, he won’t have to be, with Diego Llorente and Liam Cooper surely closing in on their returns from injury.
In other Leeds United news, Dermot Gallagher shares verdict on Illan Meslier incident
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