Leeds United loanee Rasmus Kristensen handed Denmark reprieve amid Roma nightmare
Rasmus Kristensen has belatedly been added to the Denmark squad amid the Leeds United loanee’s struggles at Roma, according to Bold.
The Danish site relayed the news via their website on Friday (8 September) with the defender joining the international camp alongside Victor Kristiansen as coach Kasper Hjulmand reacted to Alexander Bah’s injury.
The news will come as a boost to the 26-year-old after he was left out of Roma’s Europa League squad by Jose Mourinho, amid criticism of his performances since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico this summer from former striker Roberto Pruzzo [Radio Radio Matino via Forza Roma, 5 September].
Kristensen was one of a host of first-team players depart on loan using the now-dreaded relegation release clauses this summer, where he joined Diego Llorente as the Spaniard returned to the Italian capital after half a season on loan last term.
Struggle
Since leaving Red Bull Salzburg last summer as part of Victor Orta’s plan to supply then-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch with players from his former clubs the Dane has struggled.
There were certainly some stronger displays in the top flight, and he came up with three goals, but having arrived as a nominal upgrade on Luke Ayling he didn’t prove to be definitively that and blocked Cody Drameh’s opportunities.
Few supporters were especially sad to see him depart following relegation from the Premier League, although him adding to the numbers of those who jumped ship for little or no fee was hardly popular.
And there won’t be many in the Whites fanbase who will therefore have major sympathy for his struggles under Mourinho in Rome.
Having played twice as a wing-back or right midfielder and then lost his place it appears the Special One isn’t overly convinced by Kristensen’s defensive ability, and it was a surprise the former Chelsea boss decided to snap him up in the first place.
That he hasn’t been included in the European squad doesn’t sound great for his prospects at Roma, and whether he may end up back at Elland Road in January is now a valid question.
But if the hope in West Yorkshire was for him to perform well enough to generate strong market to sell him next summer it certainly doesn’t seem to be going to plan on that front, although there is of course plenty of time for him to turn things around.
In other Leeds United news, £48million loss news lays bare damage from release clauses this summer.