Tony Dorigo has praised Rasmus Kristensen for his ‘all action’ Premier League debut whilst Leeds United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1, via his Yorkshire Evening Post column.
Jesse Marsch afforded his £10m summer signing from RB Salzburg an immediate top-flight bow on Saturday. Kristensen started at right-back with Luke Ayling still recovering from his knee surgery, following the 30-year-old undergoing an operation at the end of last season.
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Leeds fell behind in just the sixth minute as Bruno Lage’s Wolves squad visited Elland Road on the opening weekend. Daniel Podence gave the visitors an early advantage, but Rodrigo hit home midway through the first-half before a Ryan Ait-Nouri own goal settled the game.
Kristensen was heavily involved in the flow of play on Leeds’ right-hand channel during the Whites’ win over Wolves. He also came close to winning the West Yorkshire side a penalty when Jose Sa took the 25-year-old out, only for referee Robert Jones to let play continue.
It seemed more likely than not that the VAR would overturn the on-field decision after the reckless nature of Sa’s challenge. The goalkeeper rushed off his line to claim a cross, but it did not merit a spot-kick for the officials. Yet Leeds responded and increased the pressure.
Tony Dorigo backs Rasmus Kristensen to adapt to ‘different ballgame’ with Leeds
Tony Dorigo is still in disbelief that Jose Sa’s foul went unpunished, but saw positives from Rasmus Kristensen getting involved in Leeds United’s attacks during their 2-1 win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although some defensive moments need to be worked on.
“I’m sure Rasmus is disappointed with the goal, just the kind of shoulder barge,” Dorigo wrote. “He’s a big strong lad, and I’m sure normally that will work. But you know the Premier League, it’s a different ballgame and you’ll soon get used to that.
“I thought he was always an outlet on the right-hand side trying to push up, as well, when he could. How he didn’t get a penalty, I still can’t quite understand that – [he was] absolutely flattened. But he was up in the box, you know, and that’s what he can give you.
“Second-half, a great last-ditch challenge with his left foot. It was really impressive, as well. He’s all action, things will happen around him. Hopefully there’ll be a lot more good than bad. But the way he responded after that for the goal was really impressive.”
Pedro Neto easily rode Kristensen’s attempted challenge by the touchline as Wolves broke in the early stages on Saturday. It gave the winger plenty of space to attack on the edge of Leeds’ area and lift the ball over to Hwang Hee-Chan to nod down for Podence to volley in.
Jesse Marsch will hope Kristensen has learnt his lesson from the attempted tackle resulting in Illan Meslier conceding. He could then take greater confidence in the full-back attacking.
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