Whelan makes ‘amazing’ Struijk claim ahead of Leeds clash against Burnley
Noel Whelan has insisted Pascal Struijk will be a “big” miss for Leeds United ahead of Sunday’s clash against Burnley.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites could use the 22-year-old’s physical presence and aggressiveness to combat the threat of the Clarets.
Speaking on Friday (31 December), Marcelo Bielsa did not name Struijk among those who have recovered from injury ahead of Sunday’s game.
The defender has missed Leeds’ last four matches with a hip injury.
Whelan hailed Struijk’s “amazing” versatility and insisted he would be sorely missed against Burnley.
“We’ve got a player of that calibre that can adapt to playing different roles,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“He can even play a left wing-back role which is quite amazing because it’s a role that’s full of energy. He’s got that energy.
“He can play in that defensive midfield, Kalvin Phillips role that we’ve seen him. He’s brought back into centre-half as well at times.
“I think he’s that utility player. We’ve seen it happen with Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling, when he’s gone back to centre-half.
“He’s a big loss, he really is, because he has that bit of aggression and height. Especially against a team like Burnley, we know that is going to be vitally important.”
Bielsa confirmed Junior Firpo, Dan James, Diego Llorente and Jack Harrison are all in contention to start against Burnley.
The two sides are separated by two places and five points.
In other news, pundit tips Leeds United for “huge” transfer windfall after “amazing” Kalvin Phillips reveal.