It has been a little over eight years since Matt Grimes spent a season on loan at Leeds United under Garry Monk, but the midfielder has since become a bit of a legend at Swansea City.
The 29-year-old joined Leeds in 2016 on loan from the Welsh club as Monk raided his old side to bring Grimes to Elland Road. An exciting midfield prospect, renowned for his passing and technical ability.
Grimes struggled though, at Leeds. He managed just 12 appearances in a season that saw in-form Chris Wood score 30 goals, with the New Zealand skipper now shining in the Premier League with Forest.
Leeds came within an inch of the play-offs under Monk and Grimes returned to Swansea. Since then, Grimes has gone on to play more than 300 times for Swansea – and he is impressing again this term.
Matt Grimes is Championship’s second best, behind Leeds star
This season, Daniel Farke wants to dominate teams. Control matches with possession, to stop opponents scoring goals by keeping the ball. Pascal Struijk is the Championship’s most-successful passer of the ball.
Indeed, Struijk is averaging a whopping 80.9 successful passes a game. It is a clear indication that Farke wants his side to dictate the ball, with Joe Rodon the Championship’s fifth-best, averaging 73.5 passes.
In second place is Grimes, who like Rodon and Struijk, has played every single minute of the season for Swansea. This evening, Grimes will clock up his 316th Swansea outing, and has averaged 77.5 a game.
Pascal Struijk’s stats for Leeds United this season so far
The stand-in captain is proving reliable. Junior Firpo is impressed with Struijk’s consistency, with the left-footed centre-back constantly displaying seven or eight out of then performances for Farke’s Leeds side.
Pascal Struijk’s stats for Leeds this season:
- 13 starts, completed 90 minutes 12 times
- Two goals, two yellow cards
- Eight tackles won, 41 headers won
- 19 interceptions, three blocks
Leeds are pushing for promotion and stand a good chance of achieving it, judging by the first 13 games. But, if Leeds are to finish in the top two and secure Farke’s third promotion, Struijk is absolutely crucial.
Last season, his injury was felt. Ethan Ampadu was moved to centre-back and Leeds lost the impact of the Welshman in the middle and Struijk’s aerial dominance from set-pieces, as well as his calm defensive aura.
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