Leeds United midfielder dreaming of World Cup 2026 with the Netherlands | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Pascal Struijk is hoping that his form for the Premier League side can get him into the Dutch national team. With a World Cup coming up in a few months, Struijk is hoping that doing well for Leeds United will give him a chance of making it onto the plane as part of Ronald Koeman’s Oranje squad. Speaking to ESPN, Struijk said ‘If you’re performing at the top level, I think you deserve a chance’.

Struijk has played 19 games in the Premier League for Leeds this season, grabbing one assist. He made his debut for the side back in the 2019/2020 season and has been ever present since the following campaign. After coming through the Ajax academy, the now 26-year-old midfielder has played 180 games since joining Leeds United. In that time he has scored 14 goals, with his best season for goals being last year when he scored five.

Speaking futher about the national team in his interview, Struijk went on to say ‘Playing for the Dutch national team is still a dream of mine. It depends on how I perform on the pitch. You have to make sure the national coach can’t ignore you. I’ve been doing well so far, so I hope I can keep this up’.

There is still some time yet before Koeman has to decide on his squad for the World Cup. Struijk, despite performing well for Leeds United, is still very much on the outside looking in. Yet should there be a few injuries and he continues to play to a high level in the Premier League, he could certainly force his way into the squad for the tournament.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson