The door has been opened for one key area of the Leeds United team to be strengthened in the next transfer window.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk developed an amazing defensive partnership from last season. The duo were vital as the Whites finished with the second best defensive record behind Leicester City, who were promoted to the Premier League.
The duo were so good they played Leeds captain Liam Cooper out of the team, as the veteran had to settle for a place on the bench for most of the season. This year, Rodon and Struijk have continued their fine form: Leeds United have the third best defensive record after conceding just nine goals.
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Eredivisie star may have provided Leeds United a solution
Credit: Imago Images
Rodon and Struijk have played almost every game for the Whites this season. It is a good thing that they have been playing well and have been solid at the back, but there is concern if they can keep it up for the rest of the season.
The backup defender Max Wöber, has only played one game this campaign and has been out for an extended period. This has left the club with two first team center backs available. Norway defender Nikolai Hopland has said he wants to play for Leeds United in the near future:
“People often laugh when I say this, but since I was four, it has always been Leeds United”, Hoplad said via Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur.
“Together with my father, I have been there about 20 times.
“I think I have every shirt they’ve had in the last 15 years in my wardrobe and I still watch almost every game if it works out with our own schedule. A really great club.
“It is my dream to play for them one day and I will do everything I can to make that dream come true.”
The highly rated Norway U21 star is on loan at Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. The same league where Leeds signed Pascal Struijk from.
Perfect timing for Hopland
This news could not have come at a better time for Leeds United. The club now have the perfect replacement if Max Wöber leaves the club in the near future. Wöber recently said he is happy to stay at Elland Road, but with his place in the team under threat he could find himself out of the club by the summer. Who better to sign than a promising defender who wants to play for the club?
