Rarely-seen Leeds man sends clear message to Daniel Farke with 104-touch masterclass
Daniel Farke may have to reconsider his starting lineup ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
Leeds lost 2-1 to Tottenham before the international break, but despite only being a newly promoted side, the Whites have shown a lot of positive signs in the early stages of this season.
Farke’s side are currently sitting 15th in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone, and also the same number of points above their next opponents, the Clarets.
Leeds have conceded fewer goals than all of the teams below them in the table, though set-pieces are proving to be somewhat of an enemy for them in the defensive third.
That is exactly why the manager needs to sit up and take notice of one player, who has yet to appear in the Premier League.
Jaka Bijol has made just one appearance for Leeds United
Jaka Bijol was suspended for Leeds’ opening league game, having been sent off in his final Serie A game, and breaking into the team afterwards has been a difficult feat for the Slovenian.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have created a formidable partnership in the centre of defence, but after Bijol’s latest exploits, Farke might think twice about benching him again.
Not only did the 26-year-old keep a clean sheet against Kosovo on Friday, 10 October, he completed the most passes of anyone on the pitch and was a monster in the air.
| Jaka Bijol vs Kosovo | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Passes completed | 91% (90/99) |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Touches | 104 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Aerial duels won | 80% (4/5) |
Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi already has four goals in seven games this season, but even the Kosovan giant was no match for Leeds‘ spare centre-back.
Daniel Farke to take notice of his talented defender
It was not just the defensive side to his game that impressed. He helped create a goalscoring opportunity, also making 11 passes into the final third, and made very few mistakes on international duty.
This is all without the consistency of regular minutes at Elland Road, so if Farke was wondering when to throw him back into the lineup – his only game was in the Carabao Cup – it should be now.
The manager is spoilt for choice in the centre of defence, especially given that Ethan Ampadu can drop into the position, but there is a reason why Leeds splashed the cash for his signature.