Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk has always come in for a lot of unjust criticism during his time at Elland Road, the Spurs defeat being the latest example.

The international break should give Daniel Farke good time to reflect on what’s been a largely positive start to life back in the Premier League.

His Leeds side look defensively very secure compared to past promoted teams, including his two Norwich City sides. Meanwhile, six goals in the last three games suggest the attack is starting to gel as well.

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Calls for Jaka Bijol to replace Pascal Struijk in the Leeds United lineup

Despite looking defensively impressive in the Premier League – only five teams have conceded fewer xG this season – criticism was levelled at one individual post-Spurs.

Sean Longstaff and Ethan Ampadu squandered possession for Spurs’ opener, while Gabriel Gudmundsson gifted Mohammed Kudus a huge opening for the second. However, Pascal Struijk unsurprisingly caught the bulk of criticism.

Pascal Struijk was a key topic of conversation after Leeds United v Spurs, and Jaka Bijol could take his place. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

The centre-back looked to delay both Mathys Tel and Kudus before his attempted block deflected both shots beyond a helpless Karl Darlow. While he was aiming to slow down Spurs’ advances on the break, his attempts were futile and fans were quick to jump on the Dutchman.

Meanwhile, £15million summer signing Jaka Bijol waits for his first kick of a ball in the Premier League. His only appearance so far came in the EFL Cup. The Slovenian’s non-presence is perhaps a key reason for fans to relentlessly pick holes in Struijk’s game.

Subconsciously, it’s an easy excuse to bring Bijol into the side if Struijk is perceived to have a poor game. When in actual fact, he was by no means the one ‘at fault’ for the goals. He’s in the lineup purely on merit alongside Joe Rodon.

Daniel Farke should have eyes on Jaka Bijol’s Slovenia duty this weekend

Bijol himself has made his feelings known on the matter. A player of his calibre is obviously wanting to play more football than he currently is, that’s natural.

“We started the season well, after all, there was no need to make changes in the team. The season is long. Now the results have been a little worse in the recent period and I hope that my opportunity will come as soon as possible,” he said.

While Bijol has had to bide his time, and Struijk (plus Rodon) has been largely imperious in the Premier League, this is the closest we’ve got to a genuine selection decision for Farke to make.

Jaka Bijol waits patiently for his Leeds United, Premier League opportunity. (REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic)

What doesn’t help Bijol’s case is a lack of sharpness. You can’t just chuck a centre-back in for 30 minutes in the Premier League. You especially can’t chuck him in out of the blue when your next two games are seen as ‘must win’.

However, World Cup qualifiers for Slovenia might give him that audition he needs, and Farke should surely be watching.

  • Kosovo v Slovenia – Friday, October 10, 19:45pm
  • Slovenia v Switzerland – Monday, October 13, 19:45pm

I’m of the opinion that if given time in the lineup, we’ll see why Bijol was sought after. We’d probably see why he’s Leeds’ best centre-back.

The opportunities will come, but an improved international display will be needed after struggling in September. Should he shine for Slovenia over the coming days, Farke will be tempted into a decision away at Turf Moor.

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