Pascal Struijk’s last game for Leeds United came all the way back on Boxing Day.
Struijk has missed practically the entire second half of the season after picking up an injury in the 2-1 defeat at Preston North End, which forced him to undergo surgery.
Despite losing at Deepdale, that game was a clear sign of just how important Struijk was to Leeds. His penalty almost earned Daniel Farke’s 10 men a point, as he led by example with the armband in difficult circumstances.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon have formed an impressive partnership in his absence, particularly between the turn of the New Year and March international break, conceding just three goals in 13 matches.
But there is no doubt Struijk has been severely missed and Leeds would certainly have been able to string together a similar run of form with him in the team.
Leeds have failed to do something even once since Struijk got injured
Though Ilia Gruev has received plenty of praise since coming into the team, losing Ampadu from Leeds’ midfield is just one of many reasons why Struijk makes the Whites a better team.
As per FBRef, only Connor Roberts, Ian Poveda and Glen Kamara average more progressive passes per 90 than Struijk (6.61) in a Leeds shirt this season. The former two’s numbers, of course, are heightened by their lack of minutes.
His centre-back partner Rodon is very good on the ball, too, but is way below Struijk at 4.36. Ampadu is on 5.09, with Gruev on 4.47. Not only does that show what Leeds have missed in defence, but also in midfield.
However, undoubtedly the biggest reason Leeds have missed Struijk is his presence in both boxes from set-pieces, particularly when it comes to attacking them.
Incredibly, Leeds have failed to score a single goal in 21 league matches directly from a corner since Struijk has been out of the team.
In fact, the 24-year-old was the last player to score from one in the penultimate game before his injury, when he opened the scoring in a 4-0 win over Ipswich.
Struijk had also found the net against Southampton from such situations back in September, while also missing three big chances in that period, showing just how much of a threat he was.
It is also not a coincidence Leeds managed to score on three other separate occasions with him on the pitch, as opposition defenders have to be so wary of the threat he poses.
Farke admitted recently that corners an area Leeds need to work on and while that can be put down to poor delivery, there is no doubt they would’ve scored more with Struijk on the pitch. They are a complete waste of time without him.
When is Struijk likely to be back fit for Leeds?
Unfortunately, Struijk is not pencilled in for a return anytime soon which means he is going to be out of the play-offs, providing Leeds do not perform a final day miracle.
Instead, Farke has already revealed that Struijk is targeting a return to action during pre-season. Here is the latest update we got on his fitness, which came before the Good Friday trip to Watford.
Farke said: “A decision was made, he already had his surgery last Monday. “[It was] long and complicated, more than two hours, it went well, he started his first steps in the rehab process. He will miss out the rest of the season.”