Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left a lasting impact at both Leeds and Chelsea.
The man born in Paramaribo scored 41 goals in 85 appearances for Leeds following a move from Boavista in the summer of 1997 – before later netting 87 goals in 177 games for Chelsea.
Hasselbaink was therefore surely torn when watching Chelsea clash with Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday night – and has now commented on the fixture by congratulating the Whites.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Leeds United were the “better team” from “minute one”
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Speaking on TikTok, the 53-year-old said: “Well done Leeds, well done and well deserved. From minute one, you were the better team, started sharp, well-deserved 2-0 up. Second half a little scare, (Pedro) Neto came in, he scored, but then after that, you were still in control, energy in the game, pressing their backline.
“Chelsea couldn’t get into rhythm. It’s a big win for Leeds. For Chelsea, this is a blip, it has to be a blip. It can happen, but the next match you have to show your form.”
Hasselbaink – who never wanted to leave Leeds – is spot on.
Leeds took 16 shots – landing six on target – compared to 11 and only two on target from Chelsea, on a night where everybody in blue failed to deal with the raucousness of Elland Road.
Enzo Maresca even named Estevao as one player who particularly struggled with the atmosphere.
3-1 win over Chelsea has given Leeds United a blueprint for the rest of the season
As has been well documented, Daniel Farke switched to a 3-5-2 formation for the visit of Chelsea, after it puzzled Manchester City in the second half of that 3-2 defeat.
The system has now troubled two of the best sides in England, and it should remain in place for the remainder of this season.
The highlights of stunning Leeds United win v Chelsea 😍
Some Leeds fans might have concerns about opponents figuring out how the tactic works, but others have proved it doesn’t matter if you manage to nail it – just look at Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace.
The Austrian has exclusively lined Crystal Palace up in a similar 3-4-2-1 shape ever since replacing Roy Hodgson in February 2024, but is yet to be found out as 2026 looms with the FA Cup and FA Community Shield already secured.
Farke also had some success in Germany with a 3-5-2 formation, proving this is not just a random move from the Leeds boss.
Hopefully, it can continue to help secure the points Leeds need for survival.
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