Raphinha sends one-word message to Leeds United star after Sheffield United win
Leeds United producing another late comeback to beat Sheffield United drew the attention of former star Raphinha on social media.
The Whites trailed 1-0 for almost an hour of their Championship clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday, before turning the game on its head with three goals inside the final 20 minutes.
Junior Firpo and Ao Tanaka’s headers, as well as a last-minute rocket from Joel Piroe, completed a second late revival in the space of a week for Daniel Farke’s side, as they went five points clear at the summit.
Despite the jubilation surrounding the victory that leaves Leeds firmly on course for promotion back to the Premier League, they have suffered a fresh blow in the form of Ethan Ampadu’s knee injury.
Pascal Struijk praised by Raphinha after Leeds United comeback
With their captain Ampadu out of the picture for the coming weeks – and potentially the rest of the Championship season – Pascal Struijk will step up to wear the armband for their crucial run-in.
Struijk did just that with aplomb at Bramall Lane, and after overcoming a tricky opening period to keep Sheffield United in check and setting up Tanaka’s winning header, the Dutchman posted on Instagram.
None other than Struijk’s former Leeds team-mate – and current LaLiga frontrunner with Barcelona – Raphinha commented: “Capiii”, which is short for ‘captain’, with several congratulatory emojis to boot.
Struijk steps up at vital time for Leeds United
Although Farke’s side could be missing Ampadu for the remaining 12 matches of the season, Struijk already has plenty of experience wearing the armband after the Welshman’s previous injury layoff.
Following his own shorter spell on the sidelines, Struijk had been expected to come back into the starting side regardless of Ampadu’s fitness, and will now likely partner Joe Rodon for the rest of the campaign.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Yellow Cards |
| Pascal Struijk | 32 | 27 | 5 | 3 |
| Joe Rodon | 36 | 35 | 1 | 5 |
| Josuha Guilavogui | 15 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| James Debayo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maximilian Wober | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Rodon and Struijk provide a solid foundation in central defence for the Whites, and Farke will now likely rotate between Ilia Gruev, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka in his double-pivot until season’s end.
The Premier League is now coming firmly into view for Leeds, and with Raphinha and Farke’s backing, Struijk will be keen to grow even further as a captain and leader of a team who, this time around, can establish itself as a mainstay in the top-flight.