'Insane', 'Best 2 footed player we have' – These Leeds fans blown away by one man despite loss

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

20 Oct 2020, 1:06 am

It was a game of two halves at Elland Road on Monday night but despite dominating the first 45 minutes, Leeds United came away with nothing.

Raul Jimenez got the only goal and it was a lucky one, coming off the head of Kalvin Phillips and wrong-footing the brilliant Illan Meslier in goal.

The night hadn't got off to a great start when Liam Cooper was injured in the warm-up, but Leeds fans absolutely loved the display of his stand-in Pascal Struijk.

Struijk and Robin Koch played brilliantly in defence, keeping Wolves at bay for the whole of the first half.

They had more to do in the second period but 21-year-old Struijk looked really good with the ball at both feet and one fan said his distribution was "insane".

Others said he looked like he'd played in the Premier League for "20 games" instead of just the two starts that he's had.

He was unfortunate when he slipped to allow Jimenez the space to begin his run for the goal but you couldn't blame Struijk for that.

The game stayed 1-0 and it was the Whites' second defeat of the season but Struijk may well have another go at a clean sheet on Friday when Leeds travel to Aston Villa – if he's not injured as well.

He was struggling towards the end of the game and was replaced by Pablo Hernandez. If he's out as well as Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente, Leeds really might have problems.

In the meantime, here are the best reactions from Leeds fans to the youngster's stand-in performance...

Wolves fans talk to me about Connor Coady (that how you spell his name?). Is he always this dominant? What a game he had.

Koch and Struijk also played fantastically today. #LUFC
— Nick 🇨🇦 (@Nick28T) October 19, 2020

Thought Struijk was excellent again. #Lufc
— Lee (@LufcLee19) October 19, 2020

0-0 HT, one team played all the ball.
Koch and Struijk superb. Considering we are playing against the Portugal national team (class strip) #LUFC
— Tony Mulraney (@tmulraney) October 19, 2020

Really like our balance at CB in general. Struijk can give more on the ball but he's been steady and assured on it so far.

Think Coops has a better driven cross-field switch, but Pascal is clearly cleaner on the ground. #LUFC
— Jibber Jabber (@EthanFromOnline) October 19, 2020

Struijk’s passing is just so effortless. Just glides thru the air. We could have an absolute diamond there! #LUFC
— LiAm GiLl (@littleroundman) October 19, 2020

Only me that thinks Struijk is class? #lufc
— Adam Webster (@adswebbo) October 19, 2020

In other Leeds United news, MOT View: £200m reveal from Phil Hay proves Radrizzani ready to go all-out for Leeds

Leeds United

Pascal Struijk