Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has revealed the full extent of his personal sacrifice as he attempts to claim a place in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.
Pascal Struijk dropped out of the starting line-up for Leeds’ 2-1 win over West Ham, as Jaka Bijol was finally given the chance.
Prior to the game against West Ham, Struijk had been trusted by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, keeping the experienced Bijol out of the team.
Struijk is now one of Leeds’ longest-serving players, having initially broken into the team under Marcelo Bielsa, but he has not yet earned an international debut for the Netherlands.
Now, the Leeds defender has explained the full lengths he has gone to in an attempt to earn his place in the Dutch national side, having returned to the Premier League with the Whites.
Pascal Struijk in action during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Pascal Struijk targeting World Cup spot with the Netherlands
Speaking to Dutch publication Elfvoetbal, Struijk revealed that he has rearranged his wedding party in an attempt to ensure he is available to link up with the squad if required.
According to Struijk, having seen his first attempt to get married scuppered by the COVID pandemic, Struijk has scheduled his wedding party early in the summer so that it does not clash with the tournament in North America.
Struijk said: “I want to eliminate any risk. Unfortunately, I never heard anything from national coach Ronald Koeman. I understand the Koeman brothers came to watch our match against Liverpool once (in 2023).
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“Six months later, we were relegated to the Championship. It makes sense then that other players would be prioritised.”
He continued: “One of my goals this season is to get into the Dutch national team. I try to show that every week. I don’t know what else I need to do to be considered for selection.
“I hope the national coach follows the Premier League matches. Although I understand that the competition at centre-back is fierce for the Dutch national team.”
Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Daniel Farke in conversation during Leeds United v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Leeds United competition could dash Struijk’s World Cup hopes
Although Struijk enjoyed a strong start to the season with Leeds, his performances tailed off, and he was criticised for his role in the defeat against Tottenham.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke explained that an illness caused Struijk to miss the game against West Ham. However, this also provided him with a convenient reason to finally introduce Bijol into his starting side.
Farke is generally reluctant to change a winning side and, as a result, Bijol is the frontrunner to keep his place in the team for Leeds’ trip to Brighton.
As a result, Struijk could be staring down the barrel of a prolonged spell on the sidelines. If he is not playing regularly in Leeds’ first team, he will almost certainly be forced to say goodbye to his World Cup aspirations.