BBC pundit praises ‘absolutely fantastic’ Leeds player despite Preston loss

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Jon Newsome was full of praise for Pascal Struijk despite Leeds United’s defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale on Boxing Day.

Daniel Farke’s side were brought back down to the earth after the stunning win over Ipswich Town, with the Whites beaten 2-1 to miss the chance to put further pressure on the top two.

Ultimately, it was a poor day all round for Leeds. They struggled to get out of second gear all afternoon. And after levelling the game during the second-half, the visitors conceded a late winner to leave with nothing.

Pascal Struijk praised despite Leeds losing at Preston North End

It was Pascal Struijk who had equalised for Leeds – with the Dutchman finding the bottom corner from the penalty spot.

When Daniel James was fouled inside the area, many would have been wondering who would step up. Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford were all off the pitch at the time. Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter had a penalty saved in the Carabao Cup loss to Salford City earlier this season.

Nevertheless, few would have been expecting Struijk to take the spot-kick. But the centre-back took on the challenge and calmly found the back of the net.

And speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Newsome noted how impressed he was to see the skipper take the ball.

“I was surprised, I was really surprised he got the ball under his arm. But fair play to the lad, he was confident. He wanted to be the one to step up and score the goal to get us back in the game. And he did so with aplomb. Absolutely fantastic character,” he said.

Defender one of the only positives in loss

Struijk has really stepped up while captaining the side on a number of occasions this season. Daniel Farke has previously praised Struijk’s professionalism. And his partnership with Joe Rodon has made a big difference over the course of the campaign.

No player on either side won more aerial duels than Struijk, according to Whoscored. Meanwhile, he managed a staggering 10 clearances.

It is hard to pick out too many positives from such a disappointing afternoon. But Struijk was perhaps one of them.