Leeds United clocked up an impressive eighth clean sheet in the Championship on Saturday afternoon as The Whites eased past Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth to win 3-0 at Elland Road.
Goals from Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson saw Leeds climb into second place in the table. A comfortable win, that saw Illan Meslier with a tiny amount to do between the sticks on Saturday.
Meslier is obviously not the only Leeds player to contribute to the impressive amount of clean sheets that Daniel Farke’s side have already accumulated. The defence as well, with Farke keeping the four consistent.
Until Junior Firpo’s suspension against Bristol City, and then Jayden Bogle’s fifth yellow card that saw him miss Saturday’s win over Plymouth, Farke had lined-up the same defence in each of the first 11 matches.
Junior Firpo stunned by Leeds teammate’s consistency this season
Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo had started the first 11 Championship games this season. Sam Byram has since come in, starting in place of Firpo and then Bogle on Saturday at home.
Struijk took to Instagram following the 3-0 win, underlining his delight at the victory for Leeds. A win that sees Leeds sit in second place in the table, ahead of Burnley’s clash against Millwall on Sunday afternoon.
Struijk’s caption read: “Pleasant afternoon vs Plymouth.” Plenty of Leeds players responded to Struijk’s post, as the Leeds vice-captain starred with left-back Firpo impressed with the Dutchman’s consistency.
Pascal Struijk’s stats against Plymouth during Leeds United win
Eight clean sheets in 13 games is a record only bettered by Sheffield United this season, with only two teams conceding less in the form of Burnley and the Blades. Struijk has been absolutely crucial to that.
Pascal Struijk’s stats during Leeds win against Plymouth:
- XG and XA (Expected goals and assists): 0.30, Leeds’ fifth-highest
- 123 touches (second highest), 105 successful passes from 115 attempted
- 20 passes into final third (third highest)
- Two defensive actions, four recoveries
- Seven duels won, four lost
If Leeds are going to go and get promoted this season, then Struijk’s consistency – which has caught Firpo’s eye – is key. Leeds suffered without Struijk during the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
His relationship with Joe Rodon is crucial for the remaining 33 Championship games. Whether Leeds can continue this defensive solidity and keep Struijk fit remains to be seen, but it is key to Leeds going up.
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