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Rasmus Kristensen reveals 'intense' battle for starting spot with Luke Ayling and Cody Drameh
Jesse Marsch has brought in a handful of signings at Leeds United, and Rasmus Kristensen says it has resulted in a number of battles for starting spots.
Kristensen has so far been Marsch’s first-choice right-back since arriving at Elland Road from RB Salzburg in the summer.
But with Luke Ayling now back from injury and Cody Drameh hitting form for the Under-21s, the Danish defender finds his starting spot under threat.
But instead of feeling the pressure, Kristensen reveals that the squad depth introduced by Marsch is only improving the Leeds squad.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Kristensen revealed: “It is definitely intense, quality.
“I mean it’s the way it should be at a Premier League club. Quality in every position, we can change, play with different types of players, we can do loads of things.
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“At the end of the day I think it’s going to make everybody better, it’s beneficial for the club which is always the most important thing so that we can do well, succeed and look up and not down in the table.”
Waiting to pounce
Kristensen has so far played in all but one match since arriving at Leeds, with his only absence being the 5-2 defeat to Brentford.
The 25-year-old is settling down well in Yorkshire, but is clearly aware of both Ayling and Drameh waiting in wings should he grow complacent or lose form.
It’s a fantastic scenario for Marsch, who will be keeping a keen eye on how his players deal with the pressure of competition.
Plus, with depth comes options, and all three right-back options are very different and boast different strengths. Kristensen has so far proved to be solid defensively but slightly wasteful going forward, while Ayling is a larger goal threat when bursting into the box. Finally, Drameh’s frame and physique make him a good match against physical sides.
In reality, all three full-backs will be handed minutes by Marsch over what is a hectic Premier League schedule this season. But the battle for the starting spot is only good news good the team, and it’ll be worth watching closely – starting with this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to fight AC Milan again to sign RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor