Leeds United man 'pretty close' to best level but Farke relaxed over Crystal Palace decision

The last time the two teams met Jaka Bijol played a crucial role in the creation of two goals as the Whites used set-pieces to cause havoc against the Eagles at Elland Road. The centre-back overcame a somewhat slow start to life in the Premier League and more time on the bench than he would have liked to eventually mark himself out as a key player for Farke. But since a January injury that kept him out of three games and on the bench for a fourth, he has started just one of the four Premier League games since with James Justin instead partnering Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in the back three. Justin's contribution, regardless of role, has been hugely positive for Leeds since the turn of the year.

But Sunday in the FA Cup Farke turned to the Slovenian to anchor his back line and Bijol responded with a fine performance, showcasing his passing reliability as much as his defensive prowess. It was a performance that gave Farke a big decision to make when it comes to the backline this weekend.

"Really relaxed and happy with all of my centre-backs," said the German. "Also Sebastian Bornauw featured quite a lot in recent weeks and months and whenever he was in the pitch, it was not like we were losing games. So I was also happy with them, and the same with Jaka."

Farke's assessment of Bijol's debut campaign in the Premier League is that he had to be patient and adjust to the level, and then rediscover his best form after the January injury. But the manager is content that Bijol is heading in the right direction in training and is close to his top level.

"I think Jaka is for us a fantastic signing, a top player, a top character, captain pedigree from his personality and a leader within the group," said Farke. "He needed a bit of time in the beginning, then had outstanding performances, and sadly, yeah, then he was ruled out with a injury, and after coming back, it's always a bit tricky. It's not like, okay, one or two training sessions, you're straight away back to your best. You need a bit of time. I was quite happy that during his absence we had brilliant games, wins against Fulham, against Nottingham Forest with a different back three. I think at Chelsea he was also involved in this penalty situation, then Birmingham [FA Cup performance] but you have to shake off the rust of the injury a little bit.

"But you can see him growing more or less from day to day on the training pitch. And I also got the same feeling against Norwich, he has shown a really, really good game again. And I'm happy that he's right now pretty close to be there with 100 per cent and to have him back at his full fitness level. And this mindset, in this situation, then Yaka is a key player for us. But there is competition and everyone has to deliver."