The presumption was that Jaka Bijol will come in for his Leeds United debut away at Arsenal this weekend but Pascal Struijk has cast doubt over that assertion.
His bullish and productive display against Everton was the best case the centre-back could have made for starting the match at the Emirates Stadium, the Dutchman showcasing all facets of his game.
Struijk halted several attacks, played numerous passes over the top to the forwards and dominated his airspace. He very easily could have got a goal at the other end too, and it is that kind of presence Leeds will need in a game where they have to make set-pieces count.
Struijk is match-warmed and is perhaps a perfect marker for new Arsenal striker Victor Gyokeres, who will be eager to impress in his competitive home debut. Familiarity might also be the best ploy away from home for centre-back partner Joe Rodon, given the current context.
Bijol was suspended for the clash with Everton due to picking up a red card in Udinese’s final match of the season. As a result, he has not had the run of game time ideally desired. Leeds prepared for Everton with Bijol's ban in mind with him named on the bench against AC Milan.
He played just 15 minutes in Dublin after only being used in the second half against Villarreal. Farke said Bijol’s suspension this week was unhelpful.
“We just adapt to the rules - it is what it is,” he said, adding: “It's not ideal because you can't give him too much (pre-season) game-time because you're preparing for the first game. He had a while where he didn't play that much.”
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Bijol has shown in the minutes he did get in pre-season to be aerially astute and also confident on the ball. He will undoubtedly become the firm partner for Rodon in time - it’s just a question of whether it is this weekend, especially after Struijk’s showing.
Some might look to Tuesday’s League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday as the better opportunity to reintegrate Bijol before making his competitive debut at Elland Road against Newcastle United the following Saturday.
It all underlines the strength in depth United now boast at centre-back and why it is important that Leeds help keep hold of Struijk. There have been reports linking him with Villarreal in a late window move.
Given Struijk was a minimal-fee arrival from the Ajax academy in 2018, a sale would yield beneficial and sizeable profit within spending finance rules, though such an exit may not be on the club’s ideal agenda.
It’s more likely that an exit comes as a result of FFP strain - in which case he can still be sold before June 30 and come within the current accounting period - or the player’s own request. There is no evidence for either case at present, though two weeks of the transfer window remain.
As for Saturday, Struijk has given Farke a tough decision to make but one he will welcome. One benefit of signing players is that it causes teammates to elevate their levels and the hope is that Struijk can indeed challenge Bijol for the centre-back slot long term.
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