Barcelona star Raphinha responds to Pascal Struijk’s three-word Leeds message
Raphinha has responded to Pascal Struijk’s message via social media to Leeds fans following the 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Monday.
The Whites’ centre-back has been a key figure for Daniel Farke‘s side since returning from injury, not least scoring twice as a substitute to take all three points away from Sunderland.
While he was unable to get on the scoresheet against the Blades, his performance in the centre of defence helped Leeds to a dramatic win at Bramall Lane on 24 February.
All three points saw Farke’s side take a five-point lead at the top of the Championship table, providing an incredible boost for promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier scored an own goal to give Chris Wilder’s side the lead, though goals from Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe completed the turnaround in the second half.
Raphinha loves Pascal Struijk after Sheffield United scenes
Taking to Instagram [ 25 February], Struijk wrote: “Marching on together,” with a white heart, with his teammates flooding in with likes and comments.
Raphinha, who signed for Barcelona in a £55million deal in 2022, replied: “Capiii,” with love heart eyes, a hand-heart and fire emojis, showing love for his former teammate.
Dan James and Manor Solomon have now taken over on the flanks, boasting 17 Championship goals between them this season, but it will be almost impossible to match up to that of Raphinha.
Daniel Farke can trust Pascal Struijk as stand-in captain after Ethan Ampadu injury
Leeds captain, Ethan Ampadu, is expected to be sidelined until the end of March with a new knee injury, though he was alongside his teammates at Bramall Lane to celebrate the last-gasp win.
With the Wales international now stuck on the sidelines, Struijk seems like the obvious choice to wear the captain’s armband in his absence and take Leeds back to the Premier League.
| Pascal Struijk v Sheffield United | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass completion | 89% (83/93) |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Tackles won | 100% (3/3) |
| Ground duels won | 100% (4/4) |
Joe Rodon, Ilia Gruev and Piroe have all shown superiority and leadership skills during the campaign, but given the defender was the previous captain, it just makes sense.
Just 12 games separate the Whites from promotion, though supporters will not be getting too far ahead of themselves after losing out to Southampton in the Championship play-off final last season.