‘Very happy’: Daniel Farke delighted with recent displays of two Leeds United players

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Daniel Farke has spoken of his delight at the partnership Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have formed at centre-back for Leeds United.

Farke was speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game with Huddersfield Town at Elland Road, where he was asked about his thoughts on Rodon and Struijk.

Leeds have conceded just eight goals in the nine matches the two have started alongside each other at centre-back, with their understanding seemingly getting stronger all the time.

Struijk has enjoyed a huge upturn in form under Farke this season after a nightmare second half of the last campaign, which at one point, appeared as though it would signal the end of his Leeds career.

Rodon, meanwhile, arrived on a season-long-loan from Tottenham Hotspur in August and has proven to be an outstanding signing thanks to his quality on the ball, and defensive solidity.

Farke pleased with Rodon and Struijk partnership

Speaking on the recent form of both players, Farke believes they are currently providing Leeds with the solid base they need to perform well in this division.

He said: “Yes overall very happy, but even more happy when we were there with clean sheets after clean sheet, if we could return to this behaviour. Also I have to say our defending at Stoke was quite good, the goal we conceded was quite unlucky with an own goal. You can’t blame Pascal for this.

“Overall I am pretty, pretty pleased with their performances but also in general our defensive performance is why we are in a really good position in the table. Defending well is always a basement.”

All be it a division lower, it is incredible to see just how much Struijk has improved this season and the fact Farke has handed him the captaincy in the absence of Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper speaks volumes.

Rodon also feels like the perfect compliment for Struijk as he has the pace to get round on the cover when needed, and due to how aggressive he is in duels.

It was always going to take a big decision from Farke to come in and reduced Cooper to third choice, but he has certainly found a brilliant partnership here.