Pascal Struijk has benefitted from a Leeds United tactical tweak this season.
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk believes a mid-season switch to a back-three has given him ‘freedom’ to express one of his biggest qualities.
Struijk has been virtually ever-present in the Leeds team, missing just two games after being dropped for Jaka Bijol in October. The Dutchman quickly came back in and was then joined by his main competitor and title-winning teammate Joe Rodon as Daniel Farke changed formation at Manchester City.
Now operating on the left of a back three, Struijk has been excellent all season. His ability to aggressively push into midfield keeps Leeds on the front foot after losing possession while as the only left-footed centre-back, he has also been crucial in building from the back with an impressive range of passing.
Asked on the Official Leeds United podcast for his most underrated or biggest strength, Struijk pointed to that quality on the ball. He said: “I feel like it’s my passing, although sometimes in the games it doesn’t always come out. In training, I always try to look for the more difficult pass instead of always the full-back, goalkeeper or centre-back partner.
“[Playing in a back three] gives me a little bit of freedom in the back of my mind. I know that even defending-wise, if I am aggressive, I can still be a bit more forward because I always have that one cover. When we play with two at the back, we are a bit more open and if I leave there is this massive hole I’m leaving. [In a three] they all shift over which is easier for me.”
Pascal Struijk’s Leeds United captaincy hesitation
Struijk has also taken on a leadership role under Farke as one of the squad’s longest-serving members. He is the only part of Marcelo Bielsa’s 2019/20 side still featuring - Illan Meslier is out of the picture while Jack Harrison is on loan at Fiorentina - and has become an example to others on the pitch.
The 26-year-old is currently vice captain to Ethan Ampadu and has regularly worn the armband at Leeds. But while he appears a natural, if not overly vocal, leader now, it wasn’t always his goal.
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“If you asked me a few years ago - and our physio will be able to confirm this - I said I actually don't want to be captain, because I was not the type to speak out,” Struijk added. “When I go somewhere for the first time, I’m very reserved and into myself, not really loud.
“But when I grow into the team and I get to know everyone more, I start to speak more and feel more confident and show my character a bit. The more I play, the better I play, the more I feel like I can speak and people will listen to you.
“I am a bit shy and it might be my character, especially when I’m new. But I feel like once I have the confidence to start growing into a team, I feel like this is in me, it just needs to come out.”
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