The summer signing has been in and out of the Leeds United team for various lengths of time since arriving at Elland Road
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:43, 24 Mar 2026
Jaka Bijol is in good form
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Jaka Bijol is in good form(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jaka Bijol has admitted that he feels that he has to “constantly battle” for his place in the Leeds United team, although he is not complaining about it.
Summer signing Bijol had to wait until late October to earn his Premier League debut but has gone on to start 18 of his 22 overall appearances this season. Daniel Farke’s switch to a back three elevated the 27-year-old’s chances of being named in the line-up but it has not always been a smooth ride.
The form of James Justin in the right-sided centre-back slot has meant Bijol has still had competition for a starting spot, and he went a month without starting a Premier League game after giving away a penalty at Chelsea in February.
However, improved form has seen him begin the last three games, with a clean sheet recorded in each one. Farke has previously described Bijol as possessing captain qualities and new Slovenia boss Boštjan Cesar has now handed Bijol the armband this international break with goalkeeper Jan Oblak out injured.
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He was put up for Monday’s press conference ahead of friendlies against Hungary and Montenegro, and was asked about his game time at Leeds since his £15m summer switch from Udinese.
As per native outlet Dnevnik, Bijol replied: "It's a constant battle for a place in the team. I'm happy with my position, one week it's better, the next it's worse. When I get the chance, I give it my all.”
Bijol has captained his country five times before, including in his last appearance against Gabriel Gudmundsson’s Sweden back in November’s 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw.
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