Dominic Matteo hails Leeds United youngster Leo Hjelde
Dominic Matteo is highly impressed by Leeds United youngster Leo Hjelde and identifies his positioning as key to his success.
The Norwegian has recently broken into the first team, making his Whites debut followed by his Premier League debut in matches against West Ham.
And former United defender Matteo predicts big things for the summer signing from Celtic, who was described as the “next [Virgil] van Dijk” by his manager John Hughes during a loan spell at Ross County last year (Press and Journal).
Responding to a question from a fan on his personal Twitter account, the ex-Liverpool player wrote of Hjelde: “Looks good! Serious potential, The art of defending is a skill, positional sense will be the key for this kid”.
Big things predicted
The extensive injury list at Elland Road gave the teenager a path into the starting line-up along with Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood in the FA Cup tie against West Ham earlier this month.
Although the Whites lost 2-0 in that game the defender’s maturity going up against Michail Antonio impressed his stand-in captain Luke Ayling (club website).
He was introduced again in the league victory over the Hammers a week later when yet-more injury problems hit Marcelo Bielsa’s side, replacing Junior Firpo in the first half.
And he may be called into first-team action further after the positive first steps with captain Liam Cooper still out long term, and his manager has clearly decided he can trust him.
Matteo made over 250 appearances in the Premier League, as well as 6 appearances for Scotland, and spent much of his career in defence, so he should know what it takes for a player to make it in that position.
So with initial impressions giving him a positive view of United’s young star the future looks bright.
In other Leeds United news, a price has been quoted as the club chase a transfer ‘wonderkid’.