Former Leeds United defender Tony Dorigo has praised one of the stars of the defeat against Manchester City after he helped keep prolific striker Erling Haaland quiet.
Despite having scored 14 goals in the Premier League for Manchester City so far this season, Erling Haaland managed just one shot against Leeds in his side’s 3-2 win.
Leeds appeared to be sinking without a trace in the first half at the Etihad, before Daniel Farke inspired his side to a rousing second-half comeback, as Leeds ultimately fell short.
Jaka Bijol slotted at the heart of the Leeds defence alongside centre-backs Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in a new-look tactical set-up.
Tony Dorigo singled out Struijk for praise after the game, claiming that he was instrumental in shutting out Haaland with an impressive performance.
Who was your Leeds MOTM against Manchester City?
Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
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Tony Dorigo praises Leeds United star Pascal Struijk
Speaking to LUTV after the game, Dorigo singled out Struijk for praise after he produced a strong display in Leeds’ defeat.
According to Dorigo, Struijk played an instrumental role in shutting out Haaland and Man City forward Phil Foden as Leeds roared back into the game in the second half.
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Dorigo said: “I thought we defended magnificently in the second half. I think Haaland got hardly any touches, and it was Struijk who really played well against him.
“Foden, as well, in the second half, half an hour was just not in the game at all. It was all us.
Pascal Struijk during Manchester City v Leeds United - Premier League
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“So to turn it around from a situation where we were really struggling, we were looking at the ball going around us, 2-0 down, to then change things, I thought it was a huge compliment.”
Pascal Struijk bounces back after Leeds United axe
Struijk was Leeds’ first-choice centre back at the start of the season, as Farke made Bijol wait for his first appearance for the club.
However, Struijk was dropped after Leeds’ defeat away against Burnley, sitting out the games against West Ham and Brighton, before being used as a late substitute against Nottingham Forest.
STAT – Erling Haaland only had one shot in today’s match. Across all competitions, this is his joint-fewest shots in a home match for Manchester City when playing the full game 👏🏻
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN CITY-LEEDS
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Struijk returned to the Leeds team against Aston Villa before impressing at the Etihad, as he made 10 defensive contributions according to FotMob.
Having looked comfortable in both Leeds’ three and four-man defences, Struijk should be confident in retaining his place in the starting side against Chelsea.
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