Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol had a debut to remember as he was forced to keep West Ham at bay to secure a dramatic 2-1 Premier League win.
The powerful Slovenian defender was forced to wait for his Premier League debut after joining Leeds from Udinese in the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke elected to give him his first chance in the crucial game against West Ham, as the Leeds boss made four changes to the team that lost against Burnley.
Bijol was made to work hard in his first Premier League start, as the Hammers peppered the Leeds box in the closing stages of the game.
Now, Bijol has reacted to his first appearance at Elland Road, as Leeds temporarily lifted themselves up to 13th in the top flight.
Jaka Bijol during Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jaka Bijol reacts to Leeds United debut
Bijol got a truly authentic first taste of the atmosphere at Elland Road, as Leeds fans experienced the full range of emotions in a dramatic 90 minutes.
Posting on Instagram after the game, Bijol declared that the result was a “big win” for his side, as they put distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Bijol posted: “What a night! Premier League debut and a big win at Elland Road under the lights.”
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Leeds full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson limped off during the first half to give Farke cause for concern ahead of his side’s trip to Brighton.
However, Gudmundsson took the time to respond to Bijol’s post after the game, replying: “Big Man”.
Having been forced to wait eight games to make his Premier League debut, Bijol will undoubtedly be relieved to get his first start under his belt.
Gabriel Gudmundsson and Anton Stach comment on Jaka Bijol's Instagram
Credit: @jakabijol
Aidy White praises Jaka Bijol after his Premier League debut
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds immediately after the game, former Leeds defender Aidy White praised the Leeds defender after he made a solid debut for the club.
According to White, Bijol can be forgiven for making a small number of unforced errors, given his wait for a first-team appearance, and his overall performance was encouraging.
White said: “He was very good, he was aggressive, he was good aerially, and, you know, I don’t think that Callum Wilson necessarily got any change from him, even though he came on and sort of mixed up West Ham’s game a little bit, more physicality when Callum Wilson came on.
“But, yes, Bijol was comfortable with that in terms of on the ball. 95 % of the things he did were good and sensible. A couple of sloppy mistakes, but I don’t think you can ask questions of that because he’s been out of the side so long.
“Yes, he’s had a couple of international friendlies, but it’s not regular minutes, and he’s not in his full rhythm. So, overall, I’m pleased.”