Jermaine Beckford awestruck by what Pascal Struijk did in Leeds United v Sunderland, ‘Absolutely Perfect’
Jermaine Beckford was awestruck by what Pascal Struijk did for Leeds United against Sunderland on Tuesday (12 December).
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event (08:52pm), the pundit praised Whites keeper Illan Meslier for making a save to keep Joe Rodon’s attempted clearance out before Struijk cleared the ball away from danger.
He added that it was “absolutely perfect” defending from the 24-year-old Belgian defender in the first half before a second-half Jobe Bellingham goal subjected his side to a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.
“It was incredible,” said Beckford. “It was a great cross in, but what you have to say is, there’s two elements to this that I think were fantastic. Rodon gets a flick on it, it’s going in. Meslier’s body position is in the right place at the right time.
“The second part of it is the clearance from Pascal Struijk. He gets there just in front of the forward, just before he has an opportunity to get that shot in on goal. Rodon heads it there, great body positioning from Meslier and this part here, the foot comes out, perfect timing, absolutely perfect.”
Rock
There aren’t many people who will argue that Struijk hasn’t been an absolute rock for Leeds at the back so far this season alongside Rodon.
The pair have struck up an excellent relationship since the latter joined the club over the summer, ensuring that the Whites have one of the best defensive records in the division.
While they were both involved in this incident, it was the Belgian who came out with the plaudits, having made the all-important clearance after his teammate almost put through his own net.
It was a superb bit of defending from the centre-back as he just managed to get his leg in the way to ensure a Sunderland player couldn’t tap the ball home from point-blank range.
There is no doubt that he is going to be vital throughout the rest of the campaign if Leeds are going to challenge for promotion this season.
In other Leeds United News, a former Whites player has suggested Summerville lied about what he said on the club’s official podcast.