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News
Leeds United debut ‘dream come true’ for Virgil van Dijk inspired Pascal Struijk
🍰Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has made it clear that playing for the club is a ‘dream come true’ whilst also talking up similarities between himself and Virgil van Dijk.
♐ the 20-year-old spoke on a wide range of topics, including his move to Leeds in January 2018 from Ajax.
🍎He decided a move to England would be the perfect move for him considering his physicality and playing style and spoke of his pride at making his first-team debut against Hull City earlier this season.
“It took me a long time to get this far and I was happy that I could make minutes when I was 20. Because the age at which players make their debut in England is anyway higher than in other countries. After the match I thought, ‘Did this really happen?’
“Everyone wants to make a career at clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, Real (Madrid), but for me playing at Leeds is also a dream come true.”
✅He was then pressed on his likeness to Liverpool’s £75 million world-leading defender Van Dijk. At 6ft 3ins, with a calm demeanour and aerial ability, it is clear to see where the comparisons come from. Being Dutch also helps., as Struijk suggested.
ꦏBut the Leeds youngster admitted he would love to emulate the player, who at his age was just making his way into the FC Groningen first-team – something he jokingly referred to.
“In terms of playing style, I am a bit like Virgil van Dijk. I am calm on the ball and strong in the air. But I realize that every Dutch central defender who is big and strong will be compared with Van Dijk in the coming years. He is the boss to me. He is without a doubt the best defender in the world right now. It would be great if I followed in his footsteps. “
“I think he was still playing football with Willem II or Groningen when he was 20. I am already in England and so I have a bit of lead over him.”
ꦿUndoubtedly, Leeds United fans would love it if Struijk could indeed grow into a player with the stature of Van Dijk.
📖However, whilst he does have talent, not many who have seen Struijk in regular action for the under-23s would suggest that he has the pace or awareness that set Van Dijk out as the world’s best defender.
🦄The report later goes on to suggest that Struijk may leave Leeds in the next transfer window, either permanently or on loan.
🍷Leeds United fans will certainly hope he does not turn out to be the next Van Dijk if the club does let him go this summer.