The versatile 22-year-old started Leeds’ 6-2 pre-season win against Cagliari at left-back, a role he has played on several occasions since joining the Whites in 2018.
The Athletic report that Struijk is likely to stay at left-back for Leeds’ opening game against Wolves on Saturday, unless a new player is signed in the meantime.
Leeds’ first choice left-back Junior Firpo picked up a hip injury during pre-season, and the report suggests that even if a new player comes in, Firpo will still be Jesse Marsch’s first-choice.
The only other natural left-back at Leeds going into pre-season was youngster Leif Davis, but he was sold to League One side Ipswich, leaving the Whites short of cover in that area.
Struijk is naturally a central defender who can step up to play in midfield if needed, but has had to fill in on the left-hand side of defence before under Marcelo Bielsa when injuries started to pile up.
Struijk likely to start Leeds’ opening game
Marsch gave every one of his starting line-up a full 90 minutes against Cagliari, providing Struijk with as much time as possible to adapt to the unfamiliar role.
Playing alongside new signing Rasmus Kristensen in defence, Marsch was impressed with all Leeds’ new recruits in their final pre-season run out.
The result was a positive one for Leeds, but despite scoring six goals, Leeds are still chasing reinforcements up front after missing out on Charles de Ketelaere.
The Whites have already brought in impressive youngster Sonny Perkins who could fill the role if needed, and a big money move for a French attacker is still being considered.