‘Physically imposing’: Alan Shearer says 22-year-old has ‘made his case’ to be a regular at Leeds

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Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Alan Shearer has been chatting about Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk.

Shearer was discussing some of the Premier League’s best young players as a part of the Rising Stars series, and Struijk is one man who has caught the Newcastle legend’s eye.

Indeed, while Leeds haven’t been good defensively this season, Shearer reckons that Struijk has been fantastic, comparing him to Virgil van Dijk.

What’s been said?

Shearer spoke about Struijk.

“The left-footed 22-year-old was given his chance following an injury to Liam Cooper, and while Leeds have not been at their best defensively this term, he’s made his case to be a regular in the team,” Shearer said

“Physically imposing at 6 ft 3, he welcomes comparisons to Virgil van Dijk and having played for the Netherlands at youth level, Leeds fans will be hoping he can reach similar heights.”

Future star

At the age of just 22, Struijk has so much room to improve, and while Leeds have struggled defensively this term, Struijk has looked like a star in the making.

As Shearer says, his physical attributes are there for all to see, but he’s also a great reader of the game who is comfortable on the ball.

Leeds may not be brilliant as a defensive unit, but Struijk looks like a very competent individual at the back, and he could have a very bright future in this game.

Whether or not he hits the heights of Virgil van Dijk remains to be seen, but even if he turns out to be half as good as the Liverpool star, he’ll be a gem.