Taking to the Premier League like a duck to water, Stuart Dallas is a right-back by trade but has been utilised by Bielsa as a left-back, winger, central midfielder and attacking midfielder during the Argentine's three-year stint at Elland Road. The 2020/21 campaign was no different, and Dallas seemed to relish the step up in class. The 55-cap Northern Ireland international started all 38 games in the league and scored eight goals - his best return since signing for the club - to help Leeds take huge scalps against Manchester City, Spurs and Leicester. Signed for only £1.7 million from Brentford back in 2015 he is now invaluable to Leeds United, the cost of replacing him with a player of his ability in every position he covers is unimaginable.
The Norther Irishman’s performances were rewarded at the club’s player of the year awards as he walked away the big winner of the night, picking up three of the awards on offer! Dallas was crowned the Player of the Year, ending Pablo Hernandez’s three-year reign of winning the award. For a second season in a row, Dallas was named the Players’ Player of the Year, whilst he also picked up the Goal of the Season Award, for his memorable late winner against champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in April.
His performances over the past few seasons have now been rewarded further, Leeds United today announcing that Dallas has agreed a new contract with the club. The Northern Ireland international has penned a three-year deal, keeping him at Elland Road until the summer of 2024. The 30-year-old has made a total of 229 appearances so far during his time with the Whites, whilst has also won 56 caps for Northern Ireland and captained his country in their recent international matches against Malta and Ukraine. As a vital cog in the Bielsa machine it is great to see the Cookstown Cafu rewarded with a new deal, surely there is no player more deserving at the club right now?
