Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that Pascal Struijk had a “good” game against Arsenal on Sunday evening.
Struijk started for Leeds in their Premier League match against Arsenal away from home at the Emirates Stadium in North London last night.
The 21-year-old, who can play as a central defender and as a defensive midfielder, started in the middle of the park in the absence of Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but the England international was injured for the match against the Gunners.
Bielsa told Leeds Live: “I think Pascal played a good game today.”
How did Pascal Struijk play against Arsenal?
Struijk is only 21 years of age and is just starting to break into the Leeds first team.
The youngster should not be put under too much pressure, but he showed against Arsenal that he can hold his own.
The 21-year-old did well against Martin Odegaard and did not allow the Real Madrid-owned attacking midfielder to have his way all the time in the middle of the park.
Struijk could have done better in terms of protecting the back-line, but overall, it was an encouraging display, especially as he was on the scoresheet for Leeds.
According to WhoScored, Struijk took one shot which ended in goal, had a pass accuracy of 89.7%, won two headers, took 53 touches, attempted one dribble, and made two tackles, three interceptions and one clearance.
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