It was a selection headache that many envisaged when Leeds completed the signing of Rasmus Kristensen. With Leeds ace Luke Ayling fit, does he start ahead of Kristensen? With Aston Villa waiting, a decision needs to be made.
Kristensen, 25, impressed in pre-season following his £10million move from RedBull Salzburg. Starring in Austria, he was considered one of the league’s best defenders – if not, the best. But he has struggled to adapt in England, so far.
Even he has admitted that the pace and the physicality of the Premier League has shocked him. His form has been up and down, with Kristensen yet to impose the marauding-style of right-back that had impressed many in Austria.
Ayling is now fit and made a substitute appearance against Brentford, before 80 minutes in a 6-2 PL2 win. Now, Jesse Marsch has a selection headache on his hands. Start the yet-to-shine Kristensen, or revert to the experienced Ayling?
Does Leeds ace Ayling start ahead of Kristensen? Marsch has his answer…
On Sunday, Kristensen was handed his tenth cap and a start for Denmark against France in the Nations League. Lasting all but for the last couple of minutes of injury time, Kristensen reminded all what he is capable of in Copenhagen.
A sparkling performance from right-back, despite coming up against Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. If Leeds scouts were keeping a track of his performances, which they surely will have been, then they will have been delighted.
They will be reporting to Marsch on Monday morning that Kristensen was excellent. Effective as Leeds know he can be going forward, but more resolute in defence than he has been in a Leeds shirt so far. A decision on Sunday still looms.
But Marsch might have just been handed the answer. Kristensen is the future for Leeds at right-back, given he is six years younger than Ayling. With confidence restored somewhat, Marsch must opt with his new signing on Sunday.
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