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Rasmus Kristensen fighting 'tooth and nail' to adapt to Premier League since Leeds United switch
Rasmus Kristensen is feeling the effects of the Premier League’s extreme physicality, but feels he’s “well prepared” to shine at Leeds United.
Kristensen joined Leeds from RB Salzburg for £10million in the summer, and has quickly cemented a spot as a starter under Jesse Marsch.
The Danish international has only missed one of Leeds’ Premier League matches this season, with injury sidelining him from the club’s recent 5-2 defeat to Brentford.
As he looks to recover and regain fitness ahead of the Premier League’s return in October, Kristensen has spoken to BT about the effects of English football’s physicality.
“You hang on tooth and nail to be able to keep up, and it moves you. I can also feel that on myself just from match one to match five,” said Kristensen to BT, as translated by SportWitness.
“Where I may have been a leader in terms of physique and intensity in Austria, it is levelled off on a completely different level now.
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“I felt I was well prepared for it, but it’s something else when you stand there. So, it’s been great to get started and find my place in it.”
Settling in
If there’s one thing Kristensen doesn’t lack it’s physicality.
The 25-year-old has already shown he’s not afraid to get stuck in during his short time in the Premier League, and his no-nonsense approach at the back has been well accepted by the Elland Road faithful.
Leeds’ defence still needs working on, and is by no means perfect, but the improvements under Marsch compared to last season are obvious.
Individual errors are still too common for the American manager’s liking, but his side look far more comfortable defending free-kicks and crosses this year.
Much of that is down to Kristensen, who has slotted in superbly at right-back. His aerial presence has helped at both ends of the pitch, and he’s certainly given Luke Ayling a run for his money when it comes to who will start.
Things will only improve as Kristensen continues to settle in and gel with the Leeds backline, and hopefully more clean sheets follow.
In other Leeds United news, pundits believe Patrick Bamford’s return will be a “huge boost” for the club