Junior Firpo had a tough start to his Leeds United career but started the pre-season as the first team left back. Firpo was arguably the only true left-back on the squad.
After a great start to the pre-season friendly, Firpo suffered an MCL injury that would keep him out for eight weeks. It was a crushing blow to the player and the club as a rebound campaign was on the horizon.
Without a clear-cut option to fill in for Firpo, the board is still scanning the market for an affordable, yet dependable, replacement for the start of the season.
One option that saw emergency time in the position under Jesse Marsch is centre-back, Pascal Struijk.
Struijk → Greenwood
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) August 6, 2022
Adams → Klich
Klich → Bamford
Three forward passes taking several Wolves players out of the game in seconds. About as vertical as multi-pass goal scoring moves get.pic.twitter.com/G2kj6g8LFu
Jack of all Trades
Struijk has had some extremely promising appearances in the Premier League as a centre-back and could be the future in that position.
At 6’3, Struijk is a presence in the box and can put the ball in the net off set pieces. He has solid mobility for a centre-back and has improved his passing.
Because he has good mobility for his size, Struijk can be trusted in different positions like left-back.
Not the ideal stand-in for the position but it is a credit to Struijk’s athleticism and football intelligence that he can make the adjustment to a new position and not hurt the team.
⚪ Pascal Struijk vs Wolves
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) August 6, 2022
○ Most tackles made -5/8
○ Most aerial wins - 4/6
○ Most interceptions by an #LUFC player - 4
Solid display out of position. pic.twitter.com/O80LYLr6rF
Leeds 2-1 Wolves Victory
Leeds United came out on top in the opener at Elland Road. The much-needed victory was achieved by a team effort.
The newcomers faired well as Brendan Aaronson was all over the pitch and controlled the first half. Marc Roca had an impressive showing along with fellow midfielder, Tyler Adams. The potential for growth and understanding of each other and the system is evident.
Struijk was able to play a solid 90 minutes at left-back and not concede too many strong chances.
Marsch’s tactics allow more space on the corners and that will be something to get used to on either side of the pitch. The narrow play should benefit the play of the full-backs and especially a player like Struijk.
Despite being out of position, Struijk did an admirable job against a talented Wolves squad. Additionally, he was able to contribute on the other side of the pitch, making key passes to start the rush.