Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says Jaka Bijol’s Premier League debut against West Ham proves that hard work and patience will always be rewarded at Elland Road.
The Slovenian defender was handed his first league start nine games into the campaign, replacing the ill Pascal Struijk in the 2–1 victory at Elland Road. It was a decision Farke admitted was partly forced by circumstance — but also fully justified by Bijol’s consistency in training and form over the international break.
“The quality of Jaka – this is why we signed him,” Farke explained post-match. “He had two excellent games for Slovenia and you could feel his confidence growing. His performances on the training pitch were excellent, and that’s why he got his chance.”
Bijol’s full debut: calm, confident and composed
On his Premier League bow, Bijol impressed with both his distribution and defensive reading. According to Sofascore, the 26-year-old recorded 53/57 accurate passes (93%), 10 clearances, 2 tackles won, 2 interceptions, 5 recoveries, and won 3/3 aerial duels — earning a 6.8 rating overall.
| Stat vs West Ham | Jaka Bijol |
|---|---|
| Tackles (won) | 2 (2) |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Clearances | 10 |
| Pass Accuracy | 93% (53/57) |
| Ground Duels (won) | 7 (3) |
| Aerial Duels (won) | 3 (3) |
| Recoveries | 5 |
source: Sofascore – 25 October 2025
Those numbers reflect a performance defined by calmness and authority — particularly impressive given it came against a physical West Ham side. His ability to play out under pressure and organise the defensive line gave Leeds a newfound stability in possession.
Farke’s hidden message to the squad
While illness to Struijk opened the door, Farke’s decision carried a deeper message to the rest of the dressing room. The German coach made it clear that training form and attitude remain the ultimate selectors — regardless of reputation or price tag.
Players like Lukas Nmecha, Ilia Gruev, and Joel Piroe have struggled for minutes this season, but Bijol’s promotion shows that consistent effort behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Farke also pointed to Brenden Aaronson’s recent resurgence — earning man of the match against West Ham — as another example of commitment paying off.
“No player is guaranteed to keep good form forever — it’s about showing every day in training why you deserve your chance.” — Daniel Farke
It’s a culture Farke is determined to embed — one that rewards professionalism and perseverance, something Leeds fans have long demanded from their squad.
Our View: Bijol’s debut is bigger than one game
In our view, Jaka Bijol’s debut was more than a tactical switch — it was a statement of intent from Daniel Farke. The Slovenian’s poise and discipline were reminders of why Leeds signed him in the summer, but the real takeaway was Farke’s management approach: performance meritocracy over seniority.
Bijol’s technical precision and defensive presence suggest he could challenge Struijk for a starting role moving forward. His 93% pass completion rate shows the confidence to play Farke’s possession-first system, while his aerial dominance adds much-needed balance to Leeds’ back line.
Key Insights
- Jaka Bijol made his Premier League debut in Leeds’ 2–1 win over West Ham.
- The Slovenian completed 93% of his passes and made 10 clearances.
- Daniel Farke praised his “excellent” training performances and confidence.
- Farke used the selection to remind the squad that effort earns opportunity.
- Brenden Aaronson’s inclusion ahead of Gnonto followed the same logic.
What’s Next for Leeds and Bijol
Leeds face Brighton next weekend, and Bijol’s performance will give Farke a genuine selection dilemma if Struijk returns to fitness. With Europa qualification hopes alive, competition across all positions could prove crucial in sustaining momentum.
Bijol, meanwhile, will look to build on his debut — and prove he’s not just a stand-in, but a cornerstone for Leeds’ evolving defensive unit.
👉 Has Jaka Bijol done enough to keep his place in Leeds’ starting XI after that West Ham display?
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