Javi Gracia believes Rasmus Kristensen is an example for the Leeds United players with his professionalism. He also understands any frustrations at missing out on Denmark’s squad.
De Rod-Hvide face Finland and Kazakhstan in qualifying fixtures for Euro 2024 this month. But head coach Kasper Hjulmand opted against including Kristensen in his latest Denmark squad with the full-back out of favour at Leeds. He was his nation’s first choice in the role.
Kristensen started all three of Denmark’s Group D ties at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last November. He had taken full possession of the right-back role in Hjulmand’s squad a year prior. But the 25-year-old has now missed out on their squad for the first time since 2021.
Denmark now snub Leeds outcast Kristensen for their Euro 2024 qualifiers
Hjulmand no longer felt Kristensen merited a place in Denmark’s squad having fallen to a reserve role at Leeds. He has only featured for 45 minutes in the Premier League so far this year. Gracia introduced the 13-cap full-back at half-time in the Whites’ 1-0 loss at Everton.
Bar a second-half cameo at Goodison Park, Kristensen spent nine of Leeds’ 10 top-flight games in 2023 so far on the bench. The defender had started in 13 of his 14 outings in 2022 after moving to Elland Road. Jesse Marsch paid RB Salzburg £10m to sign him last June.
What has Gracia said about Kristensen after falling victim to Hjulmand’s axe?
Kristensen only spent one of an available 15 Premier League fixtures on the bench at Leeds during 2022 after joining. But Marsch recalled Luke Ayling to the starting role at the turn of the year. Gracia has since kept faith in the 31-year-old since taking charge during February.
Gracia admires Kristensen’s will to help Leeds however possible after featuring as a centre-half at Fulham in the FA Cup. He also appreciates the Dane’s attitude behind the scenes at Thorp Arch. But Gracia accepts Kristensen will be upset to miss out on Denmark’s squad.
“I understand perfectly – you have to be disappointed,” Gracia stated, via quotes by Leeds Live. “But, at the same time, I have to tell you his attitude is an example for other players. Always smiling, always trying to help the team.
“When we played Fulham and didn’t have centre-backs, he was the first to offer. He said: ‘I will do it. I only have one target, that is to help the team.’ It is something I value and I want everyone to know how professional he is.”
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