Aapo Halme reacts to Leeds atmosphere, shares why he hasn’t made debut

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Leeds United defender Aapo Halme has discussed his start to life at Elland Road.

Leeds United defender Aapo Halme has told Iltalehti in his native Finland that he is enjoying his time with the club, but reflected on a foot injury which has kept him out of action.

The Whites may have brought in a host of first team players over the last year, but director of football Victor Orta has also focused heavily on bringing in Under-23 players to boost the developmental ranks.

That strategy continued in January, as the likes of Sam Dalby, Patrick Struijk and Jordan Stevens all arrived, as well as Finnish defender Aapo Halme.

Halme, 19, has been emerging in Finland with FC Honka and Klumi 04 before making his name with HJK Helsinki, making 27 first-team appearances for the club.

The 6ft 4in centre back, who has five caps for Finland at international youth levels, looks set for a bright future, but Leeds fans haven’t even seen him in action for the first team just yet, even with issues in defence.

Matthew Pennington and Liam Cooper haven’t convinced next to Pontus Jansson in the heart of Paul Heckingbottom’s defence, but Halme hasn’t even been in contention – and the teenager has discussed his start to life at Elland Road.

Halme has told Iltalehti in his native Finland that everything was going well for him at Leeds before suffering a strange foot injury, whilst he also reflected on the ‘really physical’ nature of English football, feeling that he must do much more to adjust.

Halme added he thinks England is a great place to play football, praising the club fans and the traditions of the club, sharing his delight at the match day atmosphere – something he will hope to sample as a Leeds first-team player this year.

“Everything was pretty good, but I got a foot injury,” Halme said. “It just came to hurt. I suspect there had been a blow there, but I do not remember that there was anything like that. I’ve done quite a lot of gym work since I moved. They are really physical here. I have noticed that I must try to do much more.”

“England is a great place to play football. It’s such a big deal here. Leeds has a great atmosphere and great fans. It’s a traditional club. When there is a game day, the streets are full and people are excited,” he added.