The Slovenian media have praised Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol for his role in their 0-0 draw against Kosovo.
Jaka Bijol has been a peripheral figure for Leeds to date this season, following his £15m signing from Udinese in the summer.
The Slovenian international has been limited to just one appearance in the EFL Cup, and Bijol’s international coach revealed he had discussed his frustrations with him before the international break.
A recent poll of Leeds fans showed that they want Bijol to be given a chance in the first team, as Daniel Farke mulls over whether to break up the partnership between Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
Now, Bijol has been praised by the Slovenian media for his role in their disappointing 0-0 draw with Kosovo, as he staked his claim for a call-up to the Leeds first team.
Photo by Damjan Zibert/Soccrates/Getty Images
Bijol played for the full 90 minutes as Slovenia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup took a hit after being held by Kosovo.
Farke may have been interested to see Bijol play as part of a back three, receiving a positive report on his performance.
The Slovenian publication Ekipa gave Bijol a rating of 7/10, stating that Bijol’s lack of minutes did not impact his performance in Kosovo.
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Ekipa wrote: “[Bijol] didn’t seem to be too troubled by the fact that he was essentially out of competitive minutes at Leeds. He led the defence with great authority, this time in a three-man formation.”
According to another report in Delo, Bijol also played a part in the attack, creating a chance for Timi Max Elsnik in the first half, before sending a tame header towards goal in the second half.
Photo by Daniela Porcelli – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesThe numbers behind Jaka Bijol’s display
Although Slovenia will be disappointed that they failed to secure a much-needed win in qualifying, Bijol will undoubtedly be relieved to have played his part in a solid defensive display.
The stats from FotMob highlight his positive impact on the game, as he got his first competitive minutes since Slovenia’s last game against Switzerland in early September.
Jaka Bijol vs Kosovo
- Minutes Played: 90
- Touches: 104
- Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 90 (91%)
- Chances Created: 1
- Passes into final third: 11
- Clearances: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Recoveries: 5
Slovenia dominated the ball, and this is reflected in Bijol’s statistics, as he took 104 touches, maintaining an impressive 91% pass accuracy, connecting with 90 passes from 99 attempts.
His defensive contribution was limited in a one-sided game, but he did make three clearances and five recoveries, winning 80% of his aerial duels.