Stuart Dallas arguably put in one of his best defensive performances for Leeds United in their weekend win.
It is starting to become clear why Marcelo Bielsa has such faith in Stuart Dallas following Leeds’ win at Sheffield United at the weekend.
After a superb first season at Elland Road following a £1.3 million move (via Sky Sports), Dallas has not always managed to silence his critics with his performances. But Bielsa clearly trusts him and the Northern Ireland international has repaid that belief by featuring in a number of roles already this term.
Most recently, Dallas has been used on the right of the defence, whether that be as a full-back or wing-back. Against the Blades on Saturday, it was the latter as Leeds lined up with a back three.
And in truth, it was surely one of Dallas’ best displays in a defensive role since he joined Leeds. The Whites managed to secure a 1-0 win despite coming under plenty of pressure during the game.
The 27-year-old – who was perhaps better defensively than Barry Douglas in the midweek win over Reading, and of course, scored the winner – dealt with Enda Stevens superbly. He should have been one of the home side’s biggest threats, but he had a quiet afternoon and was potentially lucky not to be sent off in the first-half.
Going forward, Dallas put in some wicked crosses, including one during the first-half that viciously flew across the six-yard box and deserved to be met by a Leeds teammate. His display prompted a number of fans to heap praise on the wide-man.
The long-term injuries to Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi could have really derailed Leeds’ momentum. But Dallas’ last couple of performances have been excellent. He probably benefited from Leeds playing a back three, but he still deserves enormous praise.
And if he continues to play at this current level until Ayling’s return, then it is actually difficult to see the fan favourite going straight back into the team in his favoured position. At the very least, he is under a lot more pressure than he would have expected to be.
In fairness, Ayling had looked to be back to his best following Bielsa’s appointment. Dallas providing a hurdle to clear when he returns therefore, would have seemed unthinkable when he sustained the injury against Nottingham Forest.
But after the win at Sheffield United, perhaps it would not be out of the question to suggest that Dallas really could force Ayling to bide his time before reclaiming that spot on the right of the defence.
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