Whelan makes emphatic Struijk claim ahead of Leeds clash v Brentford
Noel Whelan has tipped Pascal Struijk to play through the pain barrier and start for Leeds United against Brentford on Sunday.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Whites need the 22-year-old to counter the Bees’ physical presence.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday (3 November), Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the versatile defender is suffering from a knock “around his hip”.
The Netherlands youth international started on the bench against Brighton and lasted just 45 minutes against Crystal Palace with the same problem.
However, despite still suffering from the effects of the knock, Whelan suggested Struijk would start at left-back ahead of Junior Firpo against Brentford this weekend.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think what Pascal gives you is that more defensive ability. He’s learning that role, but he’s learning very quickly.
“He gives you more height and strength in defensive areas when it comes to set-pieces. We’re going to need that as well against Brentford.
“They’re a big side, three big centre-halves and a threat from set-pieces. So we need to have Pascal out there as well. Three good, six-foot-plus defenders to compete and combat what Brentford are going to throw at us.
“Look, if he’s fit, he plays in my opinion, with Firpo on the bench.”
Struijk has filled in at centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield so far this season.
He has played 14 times across all competitions this term, with nine Premier League starts under his belt.
His benching against Brighton ended a run of five successive starts.
In other news, injury expert suggests Bielsa not telling “full story” after shattering Robin Koch update at Leeds United.