Why Marcelo Bielsa believes Pascal Struijk is proving his Leeds United worth in the Premier League

Marcelo Bielsa believes Pascal Struijk is proving his worth in Leeds United's senior squad with each passing minute this season.

The 21-year-old central defender - who has also played in a defensive midfield role - has made 12 appearances for Leeds amid a number of injuries at the back.

Headline summer signings Robin Koch (£14m) and Diego Llorente (£18m) were brought into the club last summer as reinforcements but have suffered on the sidelines since their arrival.

Struijk joined the Elland Road ranks in January 2018 as a youth player from Dutch side Ajax and was handed his debut in December 2019 in the Championship under Bielsa.

Due to an injury to club captain Liam Cooper, Struijk started United's opening game of the Premier League campaign against Liverpool at Anfield and has been regularly called upon since.

Bielsa has had to call on him more than initially thought this term, but believes his inclusion in his first-team squad is being proved right by his performances.

"He was part of the few players we picked to face this season and in that election, there's a recognition of his abilities," Bielsa said ahead of tonight's clash with Crystal Palace.

"As the season goes on, he has shown the club made the correct decision."

Bielsa was also quizzed over veteran playmaker Pablo Hernandez and his limited role in the top flight, saying: "If I didn't think Pablo had the same possibilities as his team-mates and, specifically, those who play in his position, I wouldn’t have wanted him to be a part of the group especially because we're a group of few players.

"I wouldn't have picked a player to be part of the squad if I didn't think he offered solutions. And after the season goes by, game-by-game I take decisions.

"I have no certainty the decisions I take are the best ones, but I take them by closely evaluating the situation."