Leeds United
Jaka Bijol. Credit: Imago
Leeds United signed 10 new players before their return to the Premier League. The recruitment team knew that the squad had issues after they won promotion from the Championship.
In the summer, the plan was to add quality from back to front; focusing on the defence and midfield first. Leeds were able to add some key pieces in goal and across the backline. Daniel Farke also got his wish as the club splashed on Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff; a midfield duo built for the intensity of English football. Late in the window, the Whites also added three attackers including Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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The arrivals increased competition across the squad as the season progressed. And even though Farke was reluctant, he had to introduce many of the summer signings from the onset of the season. Others took time before they were embedded into the first team, like defender Jaka Bijol. He made his first appearance in the Premier League in October, and has been a solid addition to the team.
Slovenia boss Boštjan Cesar has named Jaka Bijol as captain for the March international break. Other national team regulars like Jan Oblak and Benjamin Sesko have been ruled out due to injury, thus the Leeds man will wear the armband for their next two games. Bijol was speaking to local media in Monday’s press conference, where he answered questions about his place in the Leeds United team.
“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 my all,” the defender said, reported by Dnvenik.
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Jaka Bijol has deserved to play more this season
Daniel Farke decided to bench Bijol in February, with the center back failing to start a Premier League game since the 2-2 draw with Chelsea. The Slovenian international only returned to the lineup in the last two games against Crystal Palace and Brentford.
And in these two matches, the Whites have kept clean sheets. So it is a mystery as to why the Leeds boss decided to leave Bijol out of the lineup. The 27-year old is a formidable presence at the back; great in the air and very good at with the ball at his feet. Fans should hope he remains in the starting lineup for the last eight games of the season.