Pascal Struijk’s return to fitness is almost as if he is a new signing for Leeds United, enhancing Daniel Farke’s defensive options while the club is currently in Germany.
Farke has taken his players to his native nation to prepare his Leeds team for action, with the start less than three weeks away. On August 10, the Whites will host newly promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road.
Before then, Leeds will play two friendlies against undisclosed opponents, speculated to be Hannover 96 and Schalke, before returning to Yorkshire to face Valencia on August 3 in front of an Elland Road crowd.
Leeds have said farewell to Charlie Cresswell and Liam Cooper in central defence. However, the Whites have signed Joe Rodon on a permanent basis, and it appears that Max Wober will return to Elland Road.
Struijk reveals his thoughts on Leeds player Joe Rodon following his £10 million transfer.
Leeds are already well-stocked at centre-back, with James Debayo impressing since being called up to Farke’s senior team. That is, if Farke believes Debayo is prepared to serve as a fourth-choice alternative.
Struijk will face stiff competition to return to the starting lineup, particularly from Wober, a left-footed centre-back. Struijk spoke with Leeds Live in Germany about Rodon’s excellence.
“I absolutely enjoy Joe. I mentioned in a previous interview that I praised him last season. I could do it again, but I do not want to. “It might boost his confidence too much (laughs),” Struijk stated about Rodon.
“He needs to be turned on a little, but I have tremendous regard for him. He’s a great player. It was great to play beside him for six months. Hopefully, we can continue to play a full season.”
Daniel Farke has the opportunity to drastically modify formation.
While Farke may see Struijk and Wober as competitors to start alongside Rodon in the midst of his back four, he may also move to a back three and include both stars.
Rodon can be played on the right side of a back three, with Wober or Struijk on the left. Such a system was utilized against Harrogate, allowing Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle to advance farther.
Bogle and Firpo’s skills are undoubtedly in the final third, rather than in defence. So, possessing a trio of Premier League-caliber defenders may be the foundation for a promotion challenge.
