Former Leeds United hero Stuart Dallas has described one of the stars of the Premier League win over Chelsea as “perfect”.
Daniel Farke will be pleased with the manner of his side’s victory over Chelsea, as Leeds produced a true team performance in a much-needed win.
Several Leeds players caught the eye in the win, as Joe Rodon was praised by Aidy White, Ao Tanaka scored a brilliant second to cap off a strong all-round display, and Ethan Ampadu helped disrupt Chelsea’s flow with a battling performance.
Jaka Bijol looked impressive in the heart of a Leeds back-three, as he scored a brilliant header to register his first goal for the club.
Now, Stuart Dallas has praised him as producing a “perfect” performance as the anchor in Leeds’ defence.
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Leeds United legend Stuart Dallas praises ‘perfect’ Jaka Bijol
Speaking to LUTV after Leeds’ statement win over Chelsea, Dallas praised centre back Bijol for his role in gluing together the Whites’ defence.
According to Dallas, Bijol is the perfect player to line up in the centre of a back three and thrived from having less responsibility than he is used to in a back four.
Dallas said: “I think what it shows is that when you do play a back three, there’s not as much responsibility on you. Because when you’re in a back two, you’re expected to maybe start the play and win everything, and there’s more pressure on you to win your individual battle.
“Whereas when you play in a back three, there’s not as much responsibility on you, and Bijol for me was perfect in that role tonight. You know, Pascal [Struijk] and Joe [Rodon] on either side of him, and they look solid, they look strong, and that’s the benefit of playing in that formation.
Speaking alongside Dallas, fellow Leeds icon Lucas Radebe added: “I think that is the best defence, to be honest, for us, and I think we’re going to see more out of that.”
Jaka Bijol is a natural fit for Leeds United’s three at the back
Radebe is right to highlight the impressive combination that Struijk, Bijol and Rodon have formed at the back, as Leeds suddenly look capable of shutting teams out again.
Bijol has extensive experience of playing in a back three, having played the role on numerous occasions for his national side during their recent World Cup qualifying campaign.
Stunning Jaka Bijol stats in Leeds United win over Chelsea 👊
According to the stats, Jaka Bijol was the best player on the pitch:
- 90 minutes played, 8.3 FotMob rating (best on pitch)
- 11 defensive contributions, 44 touches
- 24/28 successful passes (86%)
- 2 tackles, 6 recoveries, 9 clearances
- Five duels won (joint-fifth on pitch)
The former Udinese man was criticised for a lack of mobility when he was first introduced into the Leeds side, before he lost his place to Struijk.
Now, Bijol’s introduction has allowed Struijk to focus on man-marking and providing more aerial support to Rodon. After a tricky start to life at Leeds, Bijol suddenly looks to have found his place in Farke’s resurgent side.
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