'I had to pull myself together' - Leeds United youngster Pascal Struijk on nerves and a dream come true

The 21-year-old, signed from Ajax in January three years ago, had just five senior appearances to his name before taking on the might of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

His entire first team experience came in the Championship, last season, as Marcelo Bielsa's side won a promotion that, in turn, made Struijk's boyhood dream come true.

A pre-season injury to club captain Liam Cooper meant that Struijk started the season opener at Anfield alongside Robin Koch in the centre of the Leeds defence.

"I was a bit nervous to play in my first Premier League game," he admits, but despite the nerves and the eventual 4-3 defeat, it was a day to be savoured forever.

Leeds gave a thrilling account of themselves, as a newly promoted side going up against the champions of England and giving as good as they got.

"I had to pull myself together for the game and make sure I was there and especially just enjoy the moment," said Struijk in an interview for the club's matchday programme.

"I don't know how many times I'm going to play here, I hope a lot, but I needed to enjoy the moment - to see how they are, see what level they are, try 100 per cent and try to be better than them."

Coming up against an attack feared and revered across the world was a challenge Struijk insists he relished. Marking any of Liverpool's front three would presumably be enough to give many defenders sleepless nights but when your lifetime goal has been to play in England's top tier, you have to cherish the opportunity.

"I still remember the day like it was yesterday," he said.

"It's just nice to play at this kind of level, against these world-class players. The only thing I can do is enjoy it and take it home with me. Since I was young I always wanted to play in the best league in the world and, I have to say, I think that is the Premier League.

"The standard is so high, every team is good. So ever since I was a young boy I really wanted to play here."

Struijk has made nine Premier League appearances this season, featuring as both a central defender and a defensive midfielder, deputising for Kalvin Phillips.