Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that Pascal Struijk has shown already this season what he is capable of.
Bielsa has been impressed by the performances of Leeds defenders Struijk and Diego Llorente at the heart of the team’s defence.
With Robin Koch and Llorente injured on occasions and Cooper suspended, Struijk has played more in the Premier League than he would have expected to.
Cooper is available for selection for the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road this weekend.
It will be interesting to see if the experienced centre-back goes straight into the team after serving his suspension
Bielsa told Leeds Live: “Pascal and Llorente have shown they can live up to the level that the previous people who have played in this position were playing at.”
Rising star at Leeds United
Struijk has been on the books of Leeds since 2018 and is a rising star at the West Yorkshire club.
The 21-year-old Dutch youngster has made 20 starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League for the Whites this season, scoring one goal in the process, according to WhoScored.
Struijk, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, has looked aggressive and strong at the back, does not take too many risks, is good on the ball, and shows maturity far beyond his years.
Meanwhile, Leeds head coach Bielsa has raved about Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.
The Wales international winger, on loan from Real Madrid, scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United in the 4-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League last weekend.
Bielsa told Leeds Live: “The last game is a good place to judge how his form is. The qualities that he has is known by everyone. Of course, this last game is a point of focus, given how difficult it is to score three goals and also taking into account the goals that he scored showed the virtues he has.”
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