This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has double cause to celebrate as hot on the heels of his skipper Liam Cooper signing a new contract, defender Stuart Dallas has also signed new four-year deal at Elland Road, as confirmed on the club website.

The 28-year-old who joined from Brentford in 2015, had no hesitation in extending his stay stating to BBC Radio Leeds: "I've been here a while now and there's nowhere else I'd like to play. I've said before that this is home for my family now."

So how big a boost is it for Leeds that Dallas has extended his stay at Elland Road?

We discuss........

Josh Cole

“This could turn out to be an incredibly shrewd bit of business by Leeds as Dallas has utterly transformed as a player since the turn of the year.

“Having played the majority of his career as a winger, the Northern Ireland international was asked to cover at left-back during the closing stages of last season after Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski suffered injuries.

“Unfazed by this new role, Dallas excelled for the Whites and has now emerged as the club’s first-choice right back in the absence of Luke Ayling.

“Having already made six appearances this season, the former Brentford man will be determined to play a key role in helping Leeds launch a sustained push for promotion over the coming months.”

Toby Wilding

"I think this is a smart piece of business from Leeds.

"Dallas has won plenty of well deserved plaudits for his performances filling in for first-choice right-back Luke Ayling so far this season, so it does seem to make sense to keep him at the club as a more than reliable option in the long-term.

"A hugely popular figure amongst the Leeds fanbase, this is surely a decision that will go down well at Elland Road as well, making this a sensible call in that respect as well.

"With plenty of young players coming through in this Leeds side at the minute, having an experienced head such as Dallas around on the pitch also feels like it could be a big boost to some of those players who may need some extra guidance as they take their first real steps in senior football."

George Harbey

“One part of this deal surprised me, the length of it – it’s a big statement of intent from Leeds, but the right move for sure.

“Dallas has been one of Leeds’ unsung heroes over the last couple of years, and he has been absolutely excellent so far this season.

“He has stepped into an unnatural position and replaced a fantastic player in Luke Ayling, and the latter will now find it very hard indeed to get back into the team once he returns from injury.

“He fully deserves a new deal – he could have easily left in the summer after being a bit-part player last term.”