Pascal Struijk shares what he’s noticed about Josuha Guilavogui since ‘the moment’ he joined Leeds United.
Pascal Struijk has opened up on the quick impact Josuhua Guilavogui has had at Leeds United since joining on a free transfer.
Guilavogui is now just over a week into his career at Elland Road having put pen-to-paper on a short-term deal after a brief trial period.
The 34-year-old was an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw at Bristol City but knows he has been brought in for the role he can play off the pitch, more so than on it.
Guilavogui is the oldest member of Leeds‘ squad and Daniel Farke has already told the Frenchman that he expects him to be a role model for the younger players.
However, while Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both recover from long-term injuries, Guilavogui is Leeds’ only out-and-out defensive midfielder, and so will certainly be needed at times.
Struijk on what he’s noticed about Guilavogui at Leeds
Most supporters noticed in Guilavogui’s first interview with the club how impressive he came across, and it appears as though the players are of the same opinion.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Struijk was asked about the impact Guilavogui has had at Thorp Arch during the brief period he has been there.
The first thing Struijk wanted to mention was what a ‘top guy’ Guilavogui is, before then getting onto his actual ability.
Struijk says Guilavogui is making training ‘look easy’ and believes he is everything you would want in a holding midfielder.
He said: “I mean as a guy, he is a top guy. From the first moment he came in here he had a smile on his face. He trains with a smile, and as a player he is really good. You can see the experience he has, like in the reading of the game.
“He is calm and composed on the ball, so everything you would want really from a number six, or number four. He has played at the highest level and you can only see with the experience he has, sometimes he makes it look easy, because that’s what great players do.”
Guilavogui helping Leeds star Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka has been one of Leeds’ best players in the last few weeks, despite the fact he is playing out of position.
Tanaka was brought in by Leeds during the summer to help improve their lack of goals from midfield, but is actually having to play a deeper role, all be it superbly.
Struijk revealed that Guilavogui has been sharing his experience of the position with Tanaka since he joined.
He said: “He can share his experience over the time, and if he sees something I am sure he will tell them and help them along the way.
“If he sees any points they can pick up on, he is probably the most likely to help them because he is a top guy. He will help them [Tanaka] in the aspect of them not being a natural number four.”
