Leeds United managed to grab their third win of the season on Friday evening after beating West Ham United 2-1 at Elland Road – and one star in particular showed that Leeds have enough to survive.
Leeds had only won one home game from four heading into the crunch relegation clash with West Ham, beating Everton on the opening day before draws with Newcastle and Bournemouth preceded a loss to Tottenham.
That quartet of Premier League clashes saw Gabriel Gudmundsson, Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle all start in those games.
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But Jaka Bijol’s introduction against West Ham for Struijk turned out to be a masterstroke by Daniel Farke – and that good recruitment is a huge reason as to why Leeds are looking likely to stay up.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty ImagesJaka Bijol’s colossal performance vs West Ham was one for the ages
After a poor performance vs Burnley last time out, Pascal Struijk was dropped for the visit of the Hammers.
Jaka Bijol signed for Leeds in the summer from Udinese, but having been suspended for their season-opening win against Everton, he failed to make an appearance in the Premier League until he came to the fore against West Ham.
It was a monstrous effort from the Slovenian star, to say the least. Per WhoScored, two tackles was the highest average of any centre-back they’ve had in the league so far this season, while two interceptions makes him the best Leeds star at curtailing attacks per 90 minutes.
Bijol’s 7.24 rating makes him the highest-ranked Leeds star so far this campaign, and 10 clearances meant he was impossible to get past.
In fact, that amount of clearing the ball ranks him as the highest in the Premier League – eclipsing Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk’s 9.6, and being a long way ahead of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, who is third with 7.9 clearances per 90 minutes.
Of course, it’s only been one game and Leeds were happy to soak up pressure against the Hammers to preserve their lead.
Bijol may still have work to do, given that Leeds legend Stuart Dallas claimed Daniel Farke will be disappointed that Leeds failed to keep a clean sheet against West Ham.
But the signs are there that his arrival means they’ll be a lot sturdier and cruise to survival.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesJaka Bijol’s introduction is tough on Leeds stalwart Pascal Struijk
It’s tough on Pascal Struijk, who was doing well to keep Leeds in the Premier League as it was.
The Belgian-born Netherlands defender even captained Leeds twice in a 5-0 loss to Arsenal and their home stalemate vs Newcastle, despite Daniel Farke warning Struijk over his concentration earlier in his tenure.
Leeds had picked up eight points from eight games with him at the back, recording crucial wins over Everton and Wolves. But Bijol’s dominance in the air could make Daniel Farke’s side a lot tougher to break down.
TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said of Struijk’s minutes going forward: “Again, it’s a squad game.
“Struijk has generally been outstanding, but Bijol is worthy of game time. Leeds are in this for the long haul and having depth is key.
“At this point, there is nothing to read into it, but Bijol will be more than hopeful of having a good run.
“In many ways, it points to good recruitment, with Leeds having that option to replace someone like Struijk.”
Leeds now have four solid centre-backs when you bring Ethan Ampadu into the mix.
Despite Jamie Carragher previously calling Struijk ’embarrassing’, he has impressed and that cohort of defensive stars will hopefully give Leeds fans another campaign in the Premier League in 2026-27.