Despite not making huge movements in terms of incoming signings at Leeds United this summer, Daniel Farke’s side looks completely different to the one that finished last season.
Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara have been sold and they will be joined by Georginio Rutter, while the likes of Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony have gone.
Only Joe Rothwell and Jayden Bogle have been added with Joe Rodon signed permanently after his loan last season, and Alex Cairns arriving as third-choice goalkeeper but unlikely to actually play at any point.
However, there are a few players that have returned that have almost acted like new signings in the form of Max Wober, Brenden Aaronson and Pascal Struijk, who is back after a six-month lay-off with an injury.
Rodon delighted to have Leeds star back in Daniel Farke’s XI
Alongside Rodon in the middle of the Leeds defence, Struijk impressed on Saturday as Leeds secured a first clean sheet of the season at the third attempt having conceded a huge six goals in he first two.
Rodon has played in all three games but below his usual high standards in the first two. Struijk looked a bit rusty but against West Brom, the two looked at their best, denying West Brom any meaningful chance.
Speaking to Sky Sports (17/08, 2.39PM) after the game against West Brom, Rodon shared how delighted he and the rest of the Leeds squad are to have vice-captain Struijk back in the side under manager Farke.
“The whole team knows how important Pascal is to us, and he showed there today. He was brilliant. We are delighted to have him back and hopefully we just carry on and push on for the rest of the season.”
Struijk showed against West Brom why he is crucial in both areas
One area Leeds really struggled with following Struijk’s injury was set-pieces. The Dutchman’s presence in both boxes is unmatched, with the left-footer winning headers and almost scoring on two occasions.
The first just before the break, his deflected header almost nestling in the bottom corner before a flicked effort in the second half coming close to a goal. Struijk’s return is key, but for set-pieces, it is pivotal.
If Leeds are to undo themselves in difficult games against a low block, then having Struijk fit and at his best gives Farke’s men a much bigger chance of scoring when they are otherwise unable to do so.
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