Jesse Marsch has had a long time to ponder his Leeds United starting XI for Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa. Almost a month has passed since the Whites’ last outing at Brentford and the head coach will have been putting together different scenarios in his head throughout the lay-off.
It seems decisions must be made in a handful of positions across the Leeds side, with changes potentially coming up front, at right-back and in the centre of defence. However, Marsch must also think about his left-back options, now Junior Firpo is fit and ready to return to action.
Pascal Struijk has started all six of Leeds’ Premier League games at left-back so far and he’s done a fine job in the role, despite playing out of position. The Dutchman, who is naturally a centre-half has been a steady performer down the Whites’ left flank, turning in performances that have not only seen him praised by his head coach, but recognised by Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, too.
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The 23-year-old was named in a provisional squad by van Gaal ahead of this month’s Nations League games and although he didn’t get an official call-up, his presence on the list will have given him a huge boost. Struijk won’t have too long to show the Dutch boss that he is worthy of a spot in the World Cup squad, but he’s certainly on the radar.
However, it seems Firpo’s fitness ensures he is no longer assured of a place in the Leeds side and Marsch is set to choose between the two this week. Of course, Firpo is the only recognised left-back within the senior set up at Elland Road and the club placed a huge amount of faith in him by opting not to add to their numbers in that position over the summer.
The defender didn’t have the strongest debut campaign with the Whites last time around, failing to show his best on a consistent basis as the club struggled at the foot of the Premier League table. However, he was earmarked as Marsch’s first-choice left-back over the summer and he would have started the season in the role if not for the injury he suffered in the club’s first pre-season outing against Blackpool.
He missed the trip to Australia and the first six league games as a result of that knock, but the former Barcelona man was fit enough to make an appearance for the Under-21s ahead of the international break, starting in the 6-2 win over Southampton at Elland Road. Firpo got 75 valuable minutes under his belt that night and he’s expected to be ready to play a role against Villa this Sunday.
Of course, it was the Spaniard's absence that opened the door for Struijk in the first place and he has more than taken his chance in the side. He’s been strong when under pressure down the flank, holding his own and providing a physical presence.
He has pushed forward to assist in attack but only when the time has been right, with Struijk clearly taking pride in his defensive duties. It could be said Firpo would give Leeds more going forward against Villa and that will be on Marsch’s mind.
But, Marsch will also consider rewarding Struijk for his form and performances so far this season by sticking with him and sending a clear message to the squad that strong displays pay off when it comes to selection. A couple of months ago there was a debate to be had about who would stand in for Firpo in the side come the opening day of the season, but now it seems there is a question about whether he should reclaim a spot at all.
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