Pascal Struijk shared his delight for one Leeds United teammate after his side’s commanding win against Middlesbrough in the Championship on Tuesday night.
On Tuesday night, Leeds United beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at Elland Road on what was an emphatic night for Daniel Farke’s side, who return to the top of the Championship table.
The Whites scored through Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James, and Brenden Aaronson, on a night where several individuals impressed.
Leeds United fan were blown away by Ao Tanaka once again, whilst there’s been some special mentions for James.
The 27-year-old, who signed for Leeds United in a £25million deal from Manchester United in 2021, has now scored four goals and assisted two more in 14 Championship outings this season.
In the last few weeks, the Welsh international has really come into his own for Farke, whose side have won five of their last six in the league.
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Pascal Struijk delighted for Dan James after Leeds win vs Middlesbrough
Speaking to BBC Sport West Yorkshire after the game, Leeds’ skipper on the night Pascal Struijk reserved praise for James.
Struijk explained how he thinks James is finding form in the Championship and utilising his strengths in the side too.
The Dutchman said: “We know the quality that he has. And I think at the moment, he’s just really playing to his strengths.
“He’s a quality player. You can see the clubs he’s been at before. We’re just really happy that he’s finding his form at the moment.”
Struijk has now started and featured in all 20 of Leeds’ Championship fixtures this season, proving to be a rock at the back for a defence that’s conceded just 14 times in 20 games in the league.
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Daniel Farke praise for ‘key player’ Dan James after Middlesbrough win
Speaking after the Middlesbrough game, Farke also praised James’ performance for Leeds United, highlighting his ability to score goals in decisive moments for the club.
Farke said: “Key player. So important. Since I was his manager he has always chipped in with goals and assists. I know that was a criticism in his previous years. Always puts a shift in.
“Can drive the game forward. Decisive moments and crucial goals.”
James though is still nine goals away from matching his tally of 13 in the Championship last season, and five assists away from matching his tally of seven last time round.
He impressed against Boro, but now the former United man needs to start scoring and creating goals on a more regular basis.
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