Marcelo Bielsa once hailed ‘complete player’ at Elland Road, he could be next on Leeds’ chopping block
Only a handful of players who played under Marcelo Bielsa are still at Leeds United today.
Leeds United sit 15th in the Premier League, having gone through a turbulent period since the departure of Bielsa back in 2022.
Four defeats in a row marked the end of his tenure at Elland Road, with very few players from his time at the club still at Elland Road now.
However, one of those still here was once praised by the Argentinian, though it may not be long until his place in the squad is under threat.
Pascal Struijk was held in high regard by Marcelo Bielsa
The turnover of players at Elland Road over the last few years has been incredible, with 10 new signings made at Leeds in the summer.
Most of them have already forced their way into Daniel Farke’s starting 11, but Pascal Struijk is one of the very few who has kept his place in the side throughout the last few campaigns.
Last season in the Championship, the Dutchman made 38 appearances across all competitions, which was the most he has made in a single season since joining Leeds in the 2019-20 season, when Bielsa was in charge.
It’s fair to say that he was a fan.
Back in 2020, as quoted by Leeds Live, Bielsa said: “At one point during last season, he had incredible physical performance. He technically is a very complete player.
“When he put together his technical skills with tactical acumen and added physical prep he needed, he became a very valuable player.“
While Struijk has remained a consistent starter for Leeds, even years on from Bielsa’s departure, he may slowly start getting phased out of the team.
Jaka Bijol has to be starting for Leeds
The Whites spent a fair amount of money in the summer, and a large portion of that was used to bolster their defensive options ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Jaka Bijol was signed for £15million from Udinese after a standout campaign in the Serie A, but has yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League.
His only appearance so far was in Leeds’ Carabao Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
As demonstrated above, Bijol excels in his aerial duels, which is something that Leeds have struggled with at times this season.
Bijol is superb when it comes to carrying the ball out from the back, which would complement Joe Rodon’s style of play perfectly.
Given the money spent on him and the reputation he has, it simply cannot be long until he forces himself into the starting 11.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews