It would be a good sign if Pascal Struijk is Leeds United ’s third-choice centre-back next season, which looks set to be the case.

Jaka Bijol will be brought in to partner Joe Rodon to bulk up the back line ahead of what is going to be a season of deep defending. There is a lot of time between now and deadline day for Struijk to mull over what that means for him and whether he believes he has a decision to make.

There are currently no soundings that he has signalled an intent to look at other options and United would likely be reluctant to sell, even though his sale would help the club with spending limits given he arrived from the Ajax academy for a small fee in 2018.

This is all theory at this stage and Daniel Farke would much rather him in his squad than not, especially with Max Wober being told he will be sold this summer. Bijol’s arrival further allows the manager to deploy a tactic which he has underlined as important to his side.

Struijk ’s injury history, having picked up three significant setbacks in the last two seasons, along with Wober’s flaky availability has meant Ethan Ampadu often dropping back into defence. Leeds looked a lot more solid with him there but did lose something in midfield.

Farke referenced this on many occasions and has made it clear he prefers Ampadu as the six. After the win over Derby County in the final game of 2024, Farke waxed lyrical about his captain.

“His defensive awareness, his steel. He drives the game forward,” the manager hailed. Then there is communication.

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Leeds missed Ampadu’s leadership during his periods out injured last season and when he plays, his presence is always felt and sometimes his voice is heard from the stands. He is often seen directing teammates, praising them and calling their efforts.

Ampadu is not afraid to tell someone where they should be either, albeit without being a moaner or pointing blame. Operating central in midfield where he can stretch his legs and cover more ground will only help the team in this regard. Everyone will have to be on their toes.

The number six was important last season but Leeds’ quality and possession meant the Whites could get away with not playing a natural pivot in some games.

That will not be the case in the Premier League and the six role will become even more vital next term in both protecting the defence and sparking the transitions into attack. There is a reason why Farke once referred to Ampadu as the most important cog in his system.

At 24 years old and with a vast amount of experience behind him, Ampadu is the type of character Leeds are looking for in their hunt for summer recruits. Habib Diarra, 21, and Bijol, 26, have both worn the captain’s armband for their club and, in the case of the latter, for their country.

Character and leadership will be important next season when backs are up against the wall. Availability needs to be a key characteristic too and Bijol’s injury record is quite healthy.

The only major setback he has suffered is a painful wrist fracture which sidelined him for almost three months across the new year period of 2024. Other than that, his longest time out has been five games.

This is a step up from Struijk and fans will hope so is the quality. Him staying fit to allow Ampadu to play in midfield, with Struijk needed when called upon, is a nice set-up going into a top flight campaign.

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