Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Tuesday, 24 November.
Danny Mills’ theory on Pascal Struijk’s new deal
Pascal Struijk has had a bigger part to play this season than last, already playing more Premier League minutes than he did last term in the Championship.
The young Dutchman has started four games as injuries have impacted Leeds United’s squad, and has been rewarded with a new long-term contract.
Former Leeds defender Danny Mills backed the decision, stressing the importance of keeping such a player around given the size of Leeds’ squad, but also suggested there may have been another reason behind the move.
“When young players start to play regularly they attract attention from other clubs so you’re tying down your assets to make sure that they don’t go anywhere and to make them feel appreciated,” the former England international told Football Insider.
“There may well have been some sort of clause in his contract, after so many games as a renegotiation.
“It’s important when you have a small squad to tie down the quality players that you have.”
Victor Orta full of praise for “symbol of our club” Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips is at the forefront of a new mural in Leeds city centre, which has been painted by street artist Akse P19 to mark the club’s new partnership with Roc Nation.
The artwork sees Phillips flanked by Leeds United legends Albert Johanneson and Lucas Radebe, marking the impact of the trio on various generations of Leeds teams.
Director of football Victor Orta spoke at the unveiling, and was full of praise for the impact Leeds-born midfielder Phillips has made on the club.
"It’s really impressive because Kalvin is a symbol of our club in this moment,” Orta said.
"He symbolises all the things we think is the core and the spirit of our club.
"The way of his work ethic, to change his career, he showed what a player he is and for me one of the important things about Kalvin is he still hasn’t reached his ceiling. For me he can continue to grow and we can be really proud [that] he’s with us."
How Illan Meslier is proving his worth at Elland Road
As we move closer to the January transfer window, United continue to be linked with a new goalkeeper.
Dean Henderson is the man mentioned in connection with an Elland Road switch, having failed to dislodge David de Gea as Manchester United’s No.1.
However, amid the speculation, Illan Meslier produced another big performance against Arsenal, giving Marcelo Bielsa another reminder of his quality.
Going into the season, there were doubts about whether Meslier - who only played a handful of games in the promotion campaign - would have what it takes to step up and establish himself as first choice in the top flight.
However, we have looked at how he has grown into the role with a number of big displays to help Leeds pick up points back in the Premier League, while establishing a style which complements that of the team around him.
