Slovenia media react as Leeds United's Jaka Bijol starts in loss vs Switzerland
Slovenia and Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol started against Switzerland in the Nations League on Saturday.
The Whites' centre-back has struggled for game time under Daniel Farke, but has enjoyed consistent minutes during the international break as Bostjan Cesar's team lost on 3 October.
Murat Yakin's side welcomed their central European neighbours to Thermoplan Arena, with the hosts winning 2-1 on the evening.
Bijol played the full 90 minutes for Slovenia but couldn't keep the Swiss attack at bay.
Zan Vipotnik gave the visitors an early lead, but Erik Janza's own goal cancelled it out in the 10th minute.
Dan Ndoye then beat Jan Oblak in goal in the 38th minute as the hosts extended their perfect record in the competition.
How Slovenia media reacted to loss vs Switzerland
Bijol proved his reliability at Leeds last season, but now finds himself lower in the pecking order.
The 27-year-old hasn't let his situation at Elland Road affect his opportunities with the national side, putting in consistently decent performances.
Despite losing to Switzerland, Ekipa were pleased with Slovenia's overall display, and said that by no means did they leave a bad impression.
Siol also concluded that Cesar's team left a "solid impression," except for the two defensive errors.
Slovenia are second in their Nations League group and face Scotland next on 6 October at Hampden Park.
Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol's game in numbers vs Switzerland
Bijol faced his Leeds teammate Nico Elvedi in Slovenia's loss.
The two centre-backs stood out for their respective countries, with the former Udinese ace recording 14 defensive contributions, as per Sofascore.
Bijol won two of his four tackles, five of his seven ground duels, two aerial duels, made two interceptions and cleared the ball eight times.
The Slovenian defender completed 22 of his 26 passes, with an accuracy of 94 per cent in his own half.
Bijol's technical ability was on show as well, completing one successful dribble and recording two progressive carries.
Having played every single minute during the international break so far, it remains to be seen in what condition the Slovenia defender will return to Elland Road.