Leeds United’s Rasmus Kristensen may be dropped by Denmark manager Kaspe Hjulmand after losing his place in the Premier League club’s starting XI, former Danish international Morten Bruun tells TV2.
Bruun would certainly not like to be in Hjulmand’s shoes right now.
As he himself says, there are almost 40 players who could conceivably claim to warrant a spot in the 23-man Denmark squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Finland and Kazakhstan.
Kristensen has been one of the first names on Hjulmand’s selection for a while now. He made no fewer than 12 international appearances last year. But, after losing his spot to Luke Ayling at Elland Road, Bruun wonders if the former Red Bull Salzburg defender could pay with his place.
“It will definitely be the most interesting national team selection of Kasper Hjulmand’s time as national coach. There are probably around 35 players who have a realistic chance of joining,” Bruun argues. “A lot of players who are very, very close to each other in terms of their level.
“There was a lot of faith in Rasmus Nissen Kristensen. But doubts have now arisen, because Hjulmand would prefer not to select players who are definite back-ups at their club.”
Leeds United’s Rasmus Kristensen has lost his place at Elland Road
Kristensen, a £10 million summer signing, has played just 45 minutes of football across Leeds’ last nine Premier League games. He was on the bench again during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Graham Potter’s Chelsea.
New Leeds coach Javi Gracia was, however, full of praise about the way Kristensen adapted to an unfamiliar centre-half role during the recent 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Fulham.
“I think Rasmus played really well,” Gracia told Leeds Live.
“I spoke with him before the game to tell him I wanted him to play in that position. He agreed and he said he would play where the team needs him. This is a very good professional, putting the team before himself.
“I think he played well. He is very focused. He was concentrated on the game and, in my opinion, he (played) well.”
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