Jaka Bijol playing for Leeds with Daniel Farke in frame
Credit: Imago
Josh Edwards
Sat 25 October 2025 7:10, UK
Jaka Bijol started for Leeds as they secured a victory at home to West Ham.
Leeds United secured a 2-1 win against a struggling West Ham side, with the three points easing some of the pressure that had been emerging at Elland Road after a poor run of form.
Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon scored for Leeds, with Mateus Fernandes getting what would prove to be a consolation goal for the victors in injury time.
The Whites will enjoy their win over the weekend, but the performance of Bijol will spark questions, and Farke needs to find the answer to them.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up
Credit: Imago
Jaka Bijol was immense for Leeds
Leeds spent a fair amount of money in the summer, and 15 per cent of it was used to bring Bijol to Elland Road after an excellent season in the Serie A.
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The expectation was that he would slot straight into the side instead of Pascal Struijk, who has showcased some weaknesses in his game, even in the Championship.
That wasn’t to be the case, and Bijol has been an unused sub in near enough every Premier League game for Leeds this season, until Friday night.
The Slovenian international started against the Irons, and he was simply outstanding.
95% pass accuracy
53 completed passes
11 clearances
Two tackles
100% aerial duel win rate
He was tidy on the ball, and he dealt with just about everything that came his way, raising the question as to why he hasn’t been starting games.
Farke is the only one with an answer to that, and should he be asked the question, it would be remarkable to hear his answer.
Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon have to be Leeds’ defensive partnership
Struijk has been an excellent servant for Leeds, but his time in the starting 11 simply has to be over going forward.
Bijol looked level above the Dutchman in every aspect of his game, and to consider that was the first time he had played in the Premier League makes it even more impressive.
Farke has his favourites, and Struijk is clearly one of them, but the German cannot afford to be sentimental about his decisions going forward at Elland Road.
If wins are to come more frequently, Bijol needs to partner Rodon.
Leeds‘ win against West Ham was a much-needed one, and now they face the challenge of building on the victory in future games.
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