‘Not the answer’ – Exclusive: Leeds 21y/o not good enough for long-term first-team role – pundit
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 has said that Pascal Struijk isn’t the answer for Leeds as they face the potential of life without three senior centre-backs.
All three of Bielsa’s senior centre-backs could be out for the game against Burnley. Robin Koch is out until spring. Diego Llorente should be back in training this week but is unlikely to be risked in the next game.
Leeds fans are waiting nervously on news about Liam Cooper who limped painfully out of the game against Man United.
It means Luke Ayling will continue to deputise in the next game against Burnley, where he will be partnered with either Pascal Struijk or a youngster such as Oliver Casey or Leif Davis.
However, long-term, Robinson thinks that Leeds will need to bring at least one centre-back in on loan in the January window.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I think Leeds are going to have to bring someone in.
“Pascal Struijk is not the answer.
“In the short term, he’s going to have to be because they haven’t got anyone else. But they’re going to need to bring at least one centre-half in in January.
“I’d like some experience, some stability in there. With the problem that Leeds are having from set-pieces this season I think it needs to be someone who brings proper stature into the box.
“They need a Gary Cahill type figure, a player who knows the league. Or Wes Morgan, he’s not playing at the moment.
“The three centre-halves that Bielsa has at the moment are the ones he wants long-term but he needs someone between now and the end of the season.”
Leif Davis came on for Liam Cooper on Sunday, with pascal Struijk already on the pitch.
He only played for 45 minutes in the Under-23s on Monday and that generally hints that the player is going to be involved in the next first-team game.
Could he be used as a left-sided centre-back against Burnley?
It would certainly show how stretched the squad has become with the latest injury blow.