Alan Shearer destroys ’embarrassing’ Pascal Struijk as Leeds United footage emerges
Alan Shearer has destroyed Pascal Struijk after the Leeds United defender made a number of mistakes during the 4-1 loss against Tottenham.
The defeat to Spurs means Leeds will be playing in the second tier just three years after they ended their 16-year exodus from the Premier League.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Shearer brandished Struijk’s defending as “under-10s level” after footage of the Dutchman was shown.
“Defensively, they’ve been an embarrassment,” said Shearer (Match of the Day, 29m 58s, 28 May).
“Some of the defending today was under-10s level, let alone in the Premier League. Yes, Tottenham have some really good players – particularly in forward positions – but when you’re seeing errors like this [footage of Struijk], basic errors.
“It was mistake after mistake, after mistake. It’s happened all season. 78 goals they’ve conceded. It’s embarrassing.”
Basics
It was about doing the basics and Leeds failed miserably. Struijk was just one of a number of players who produced a poor display. Sam Allardyce was given an extremely tough task after taking the job and even the serial Premier League escape artist could work his magic at Elland Road.
The season was lost when Leeds allowed Jesse Marsch to stay in the job for far too long. The American was so far out of his depth. Had Allardyce been brought in when the American was sacked, Leeds could have had a chance of remaining in the division.
Javi Gracia mustered some decent results, but, after the Crystal Palace defeat, his side fell into a significant downward spiral. There was no way of turning the slump around.
Andrea Radrizzani has made a number of high-profile errors this season. It’s time for change at the top of the club and the sooner the Italian relinquishes power, the better.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign one 13-goal forward this summer after an impressive European season.