Pascal Strujik has given his thoughts on how he is progressing in his game, ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated match against Manchester United.

The defender has been a regular figure for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season and has surpassed his own expectations in his playing time.  

“For me it has been a really good season so far,” Struijk stated. 

"I wasn’t expecting to play this many games, so for me to play this many and improve my game has been really good.

“There are loads of things that are happening in these games and as well, learning on the training pitch from everyone next to me and from Marcelo Bielsa, I am trying to take those small details into the game. 

“He is teaching me all those things, the way we train, the way we play in these games and mental strength, that’s what I can learn from him.

“A spot in the team is never guaranteed, so every day for me is working hard and showing what I can do to get into the first XI.”

Reflecting on the recent test against Liverpool on Monday, next up is the challenge of Manchester United for Pascal and his side.  

“Luckily we gave us the equaliser,” Struijk explained about the draw with Liverpool. 

"To be honest, I think we deserved a bit more as well, looking at the second half especially we were very good and deserved more. 

“Against Manchester United, we need a lot of hard work and good structure.  

“The whole team, everyone needs to be at 100% to slow them down and to try and win the game.”