Five interceptions, three headers: Leeds star shows Marsch he’s better than £13m man

Leeds produced a wonderful display to overcome Norwich City in a must-win match on Sunday – and Stuart Dallas was once again, one of his side’s most-reliable, consistent and effective performers, this time at left-back.

Dallas, who turns 31 in April, has played in three different positions under Jesse Marsch – in three games. Right-back at Leicester, midfield against Villa and then left-back on Sunday, replacing £13m (GOAL) Junior Firpo.

Firpo picked up a knee injury against Villa, after being turned inside out by Matty Cash for much of the game. Dallas was excellent for Leeds on Sunday, as Joe Gelhardt scored a late winner for the Whites to win 2-1.

Dallas stats: Leeds star better option than Firpo at left-back

Dallas, who has a contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024, was given his side’s second-highest rating behind the incredible Raphinha – who got an assist, and hit the bar twice during the 90 minutes at Elland Road.

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That is according to WhoScored, who also report that Dallas attempted more passes than any other Leeds player – 52. But the most-impressive stats show just how easily Dallas can adapt to new positions, now at left-back.

Five interceptions – miles ahead of any other Leeds player – and three aerials won, again, the most in the team, shows Dallas was unbeatable. With Firpo struggling, surely Dallas is his side’s best option at left-back?

Even if Firpo returns from injury in the coming days and weeks, Marsch has got to keep faith with Dallas in what is his best position – more so than midfield and right-back. A no-brainer, after Sunday’s win.

In other news, Jurgen Klopp shares what Salah has just told him about his Liverpool injury