‘I played against him’: BBC pundit didn’t think ‘exceptional’ Leeds ace would play in the PL

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Nedum Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that Leeds United defender, Stuart Dallas, has done ‘exceptionally well’ for the club.

The former QPR centre-back, who came up against Leeds’ versatile machine in the Championship, admitted that he didn’t think he would play in the Premier League.

Just like Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa, the rise of many players has been remarkable and Dallas is no different.

Onuoha shared his thoughts on Dallas’ qualities after that brace against Manchester City and how he is now good enough for the top level.

“He is a very significant part of that Leeds side playing alongside Kalvin Phillips,” said Onuoha. “I think they do exceptionally well.

“But I think his value, having played against him, now you see he really takes time to understand things tactically. And what Bielsa is asking him to do is a lot different to what some other managers do.

“But added with that, he has the physical run around and he can make the right decisions more often than not. So, even though he is doing well in that system for Leeds, as another manager, you would want players who can take on instructions. You want players who are dynamic and good on the ball.

“I’ll be honest. When I played against him in the Championship, I thought he was a good player. But I thought he was one of many good players in the Championship, who maybe may not get the chance to play at the highest level.

“He has found a sweet spot in Bielsa at Leeds. For me, he had the ingredients to do well at this level in the style that’s being played now. But he has really impressed me and played exceptionally well.”

Dallas perhaps sums up what Marcelo Bielsa demands of his players and how he can coach them to play any role.

Whether the Northern Irishman is playing fullback, in the middle of the park or out on the attacking flanks, his performances never drop.

But following that win against Manchester City, Leeds will be hoping to continue their charge up the table, as they currently sit in the top ten.