Jesse Marsch has backed Pascal Struijk to impress at left-back for Leeds United, and insisted that the 22-year-old looks ready to enjoy a big season – in comments reported by Leeds Live.
It would not be a proper start to the Premier League campaign if Leeds were not dealing with injury problems. Unfortunately for the Whites, their two first-choice left-back options will miss Saturday’s clash with Wolves.
Stuart Dallas sustained a serious injury last season. Meanwhile, Junior Firpo picked up a knock in pre-season. And with that, it appears that Struijk will get the nod for that role against Bruno Lage’s side.
The youngster started against Cagliari in the Whites’ final pre-season game. And he did well in the role, linking up superbly with Jack Harrison.
Obviously, some Leeds fans will not welcome hearing the phrase square pegs in round holes again. But Struijk is a makeshift option – despite his immense versatility.
However, Marsch believes that the former Netherlands youth international has the capabilities to shine in that position.
“It’s not his natural position, but Pascal still is mobile enough. He’s intelligent, he’s technically good and he understands the tactics,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live.
“It gives us even more flexibility that if we want to build with three, if we want to build with four, and in the last matches, I think that flexibility and his positioning has been quite good.
“We’ve worked a lot with him, showing them a lot of videos and talking a lot of different phases of the game and what we want it to look like.
“There’s benefits actually to having Pascal on the pitch in this position. I think he’s taken it on that way and I think he’s ready for a big season and to show that that he can play in that position quite well.”
Marsch has backed Pascal Struijk
Leeds have struggled at left-back for years now. And with that, some may extremely concerned about Struijk being used there.
The positive is that the transfer window is open. Should he really struggle while Firpo is sidelined, Leeds will have received the warning they need to perhaps go out and strengthen in the market.
Struijk is a fantastic talent. And many fans would have him alongside another centre-back in the side’s best partnership. But they are definitely going to need him to surprise those desperately hoping that another left-back is brought in.