Leeds U-23 coach Mark Jackson believes that there are similar qualities between new Elland Road hero Charlie Cresswell and rising talent Leo Hjelde.
Speaking to Leeds Live after their EFL Trophy win over Oldham Athletic, Jackson was keen to highlight the leadership qualities Hjelde had displayed against the League Two side. The Norwegian defender was captain on the night.
Indeed, Hjelde acting as captain is an impressive feat given that the 18-year-old centre-back only joined the Yorkshire club last month. Moreover, senior youth team players featured at Boundary Park, including Sean McGurk, Lewis Bate and Crysencio Summerville.
It was a much-needed win for Leeds’ U-23 side. And although Hjelde came off at halftime, the teenage defender made an impact on Jackson.
The youth manager said: “I see good leadership qualities in Leo [Hjelde]. I have done for a while when I’ve been watching him throughout the summer, before he signed for the club.”
It was a solid performance from Hjelde. And Jackson saw similar qualities in the youngster’s leadership skills whilst coaching Cresswell. The 19-year-old defender has started the past two senior games for Leeds, with the talent impressing for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Jackson said on Cresswell: “I did that a lot with Charlie Cresswell throughout the time I worked with him from when he was an U-16, through the 18s and in the 23s as well and I see certain qualities in Leo as well.”
With Hjelde leading the U-23 side against professional clubs, Leeds could soon have another exciting defensive talent join Cresswell in the first-team should the Norwegian youngster continue to impress at youth level.
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