Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 13 March 2026 8:10, UK

Jaka Bijol simply has to return to Leeds United‘s starting 11.

Form has been hard to come by as of late for Leeds, who could find themselves in the bottom three on Sunday if they are to suffer defeat against Crystal Palace.

But their drop in form almost coincides perfectly with the omission of Bijol, who has started a Premier League game for the Whites in over a month despite being available.

Pressure is slowly piling on Daniel Farke at Elland Road, and if he is to subdue that, there’s a clear call that he has to make with the Slovenian going forward.

Stats show why Jaka Bijol must start for Leeds

Leeds have won just one of their last four games in all competitions, and it’s no surprise that it’s the only game that Bijol has started in.

In fact, his last Premier League start for the Whites was back on 10 February, when he aided his side to a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

His omission since has been baffling, and if Leeds are to return to the form that had them on course for survival, he needs to return to the starting 11, and the strats back that up.

Bijol averages 3.27 aerial duels won per game, which places him in the top 27 per cent of defenders in the Premier League.

As demonstrated via his Sofascore graphic below, he has also won 62.3 per cent of his total duels, showcasing his dominance at the back.

With an 87.1 per cent pass accuracy and three goal involvements this season, Bijol has also showcased his ball-playing ability, which has at times been lacking in his absence.

Who could make way for Bijol to return?

Unfortunately for James Justin, he is the most obvious sacrifice.

While the former Leicester star has hardly put a foot wrong, Leeds look much more comfortable as a defensive unit with Bijol in a back three, alongside Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, who is a clear candidate for their Player of the Season.

The Slovenian adds some much-needed aerial presence to the team, which aids their efforts in both penalty areas.

Farke must realise that this weekend, ahead of Leeds’ clash with Crystal Palace, as well as for the remainder of the campaign.