Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 19 April 2026 13:10, UK

Pascal Struijk may be going under the radar as one of Leeds United’s best-performing players this season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach often grabbing the headlines.

However, the Dutchman has been just as important for the Whites’ push for Premier League survival, but it feels like he does not get the same level of acclaim.

While others attract attention for their assists or goals, Struijk is rarely involved in action on that end of the pitch.

However, when defending, he is perhaps one of the more crucial cogs of Daniel Farke’s system with his consistency, composure, and leadership.

As Leeds secured a 3-0 win against Wolves, that importance was ever so clear once again, with that level of performance becoming a theme for Struijk.

Why Pascal Struijk deserves more plaudits at Leeds

Against Wolves, Struijk helped lead the Whites to yet another clean sheet this season, their seventh of the campaign.

However, out of those seven games where the opponents have failed to score, Struijk has been present for six.

Additionally, across the Premier League, only six defenders have completed more clearances than the Leeds defender’s 189.

While Struijk’s 99 aerial duels won also place him in eighth among defenders in England’s top flight. It showcases that the Dutchman is incredibly busy at the back, and his role has helped the Whites shore up things in defence.

Over the last five Premier League games, Leeds have conceded just two goals, highlighting how impressive the backline has recently been.

When it comes to end-of-season awards, Struijk deserves to be placed among the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Stach when it comes to importance at Elland Road.

In 2023, Farke claimed that Struijk was “crucial” for his side, stating: “He adapted well to my demands and he’s played a crucial part.” However, he may have gone up a level ever since.

Struijk’s influence is noted by other teams in England

From those on the outside looking in, they seem to notice how important and how impressive Struijk is as a centre-back.

There have been numerous links for Struijk amid a potential move away in the summer window. Clubs looking for a reliable ball-player central defender will undoubtedly look towards LS11.

Leeds must keep Struijk at Elland Road at all costs, with eyes set on making sure they do not become relegation-threatened again for next campaign.

Players of this consistency and reliability can often be hard to replace, and the void left by Struijk would not be easy to fill.