When Leeds United signed 10 new players in the summer window, many knew it would bring competition into the team. Going up to the Premier League was a very tough task.
Unfortunately, not every player who played a huge part in the promotion campaign would be used in the top flight. In the summer, Daniel Farke made some key decisions regarding the squad. Players like Mateo Joseph, Max Wober and Largie Ramazani were sent out on loan.
The club brought in some quality additions, as recruitment targeted top players from across Europe. In came Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol among others. Some new signings immediately went into the lineup, while some had to adapt before being integrated.
Leeds United star will question recent absence after latest statistics
Jaka Bijol started his first league game in October last year, and it came as a bit of a surprise. The Slovenian was considered one of the top defenders in Serie A last season, but he was benched in the early part of the campaign. Coming into the team, he was a solid presence, and thrived when Daniel Farke changed the system.
| Player | Starts | Losses | Loss % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastiaan Bornauw | 4 | 0 | 0% |
| Jaka Bijol | 12 | 3 | 25% |
| Pascal Struijk | 25 | 10 | 40% |
| Joe Rodon | 27 | 12 | 44% |
But since the start of the year, Bijol has gone back to the bench. Farke is yet to explain why the 27-year old has not started a league game since the early part of February. A surprising statistic shows that Leeds United lose 25% of their Premier League games with Bijol in the lineup, but have lost a whopping 53% when he does not start the game. Comparing it to the other center backs in the team, only Sebastiaan Bornauw has a lower rate, but he has only started four games this season.
Jaka Bijol should return to the lineup
The numbers say that the team is better with Bijol starting, which is true. Because when the Slovenian does not play, it is often James Justin in the back three and for all his quality, he is not that good of a defender. Jaka Bijol is dominant aerially and impressive on the ball; his passing has unlocked a lot for Leeds in games. Farke has his reasons for benching the Slovenian, but he has to consider this in the upcoming run in. He needs his best players available, and at this moment in time, Bijol is one of them.
