Liam Cooper has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Pascal Struijk has all the attributes necessary to become one of the world’s best centre-backs. Struijk has blossomed under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.
Struijk, 22, has been crucial to Leeds over the last couple of years. Joining the club from Ajax’s youth academy in January 2018, it took until the end of the 2019-20 season to finally break into the side.
Indeed, the versatile left-footer was given a chance under Bielsa as Leeds gained promotion to the Premier League. Since then, Struijk has been a regular in the side – with injuries allowing him to get plenty of game time.
Whether that is at centre-back, left-back or in holding midfield – the defender has been consistently solid for the Whites. Cooper believes he has all it takes to go on and become one of the world’s best centre-backs.
“Pascal has absolutely everything to be one of the best centre-backs out there, he really has. He’s unbelievable on the ball, he’s strong, good in the air. I always knew. We all know now. His improvement speaks for itself.”
Cooper on Struijk: Can Leeds star become one of the best in the world?
Well, one thing that he has to his advantage is the fact he is left-footed. Centre-backs that prefer their left are sought-after these days, and Struijk is no different. His versatility is also a crucial asset to Bielsa and Leeds.
But Cooper is right. Struijk has the physicality and aerial ability of a centre-back, twinned with the mobility and ball-playing technicality of a midfielder. Little surprise, given he came through Ajax’s esteemed academy.
Whether Struijk has the quality to become one of Europe’s best remains to be seen, but consistently playing in the Premier League will attract suitors – and international recognition. He is yet to choose between Belgium or the Netherlands.
