International media stunned by ‘Hero’ Leeds United loanee after what happened on Sunday
Italian media outlets have gushed over the impact Leeds United loanee Rasmus Kristensen made as Roma beat Sassuolo 2-1 on Sunday 3 December.
The Dane won a penalty which brought the sides level, and then scored the winner via a deflection as Jose Mourinho’s side ran out with all three points from the Serie A clash.
It was a slow start to his career in Italy when Kristensen was left out of their European squad by Mourinho, but he appears to be on the trail to redemption after his latest display.
Italian news outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport labelled Kristensen “The Viking of Rome”, writing: “The hero you don’t expect, the Viking who until now had hidden among the glaciers of memories.
“It was Rasmus Kristensen who opened it for the Giallorossi, who in 45 minutes got the equalizing penalty and then scored (with a deflection from Tressoldi) the winning goal.
“The equalizer came from a Dybala penalty, due to a naive foul by Erlic on Kristensen. Who shortly after becomes the hero of the evening, with a shot that mocks Consigli due to Tressoldi’s deflection.”
Tuttosport, meanwhile, detailed his impact on the team in a “very important” win, reporting: “Kristensen was fouled in the 76th minute in the area and the referee points to the spot: Dybala makes no mistake and the Giallorossi equalize.
“After the penalty he earned, the Dane also scored the opening goal with a deflected shot that mocked Consigli. Sassuolo’s final pressing is not enough: Roma leaves the Mapei Stadium with three very important points.”
Finally, Roma fan outlet Chiesa Di Totti ran a poll in which 61% of fans voted for the Leeds United loanee as their man of the match.
Growing into his role
Kristensen had struggled to make an impact in the early stages of his loan move to Roma, looking like he would wind up back at Leeds at the end of the season, with some outlets even suggesting a possible early termination of his loan deal after just weeks in Italy.
However, it appears he has won favour in Mourinho’s team, cementing his place in the starting lineup and now being hailed as a hero for his impact in winning the game for Roma against Sassuolo to continue their push towards the European places.
Roma currently sit fourth in Serie A, having leapfrogged last year’s title winner Napoli, which would see them qualify for Champions League football next season if they can continue their form and remain in those top four places.
Kristensen will play his part in the side and his long-term future will likely be decided come the end of the season, whether he remains in Rome or returns to Yorkshire, as he is finally making a name for himself at his loan club.
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