Noel Whelan and Marcelo Bielsa praise Leeds youngster Aapo Halme

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Aapo Halme made his debut for Leeds United against Bristol City at the weekend.

Noel Whelan has praised Leeds United central defender Aapo Halme on BBC Radio Leeds for his performance against Bristol City at the weekend.

Halme made his competitive debut for Leeds in their 2-0 win against City at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The 20-year-old central defender was not exactly great, but the youngster did a decent job and answered the questions asked of him by the City attackers.

According to WhoScored, the Finland Under-21 international had a pass accuracy of 85.3%, won three headers, and made one tackle and three clearances.

Former Leeds striker Whelan was pleased with the display produced by Halme, who joined the Championship club from HJK Helsinki in January 2018.

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa was also pleased with the performance of Halme.

Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds: “I thought he was okay. I thought it was a decent debut.”

Bielsa told Leeds Live: “Inside of a structure that prevented any danger, Aapo Halme did a good performance.

Starting against Reading?

With Bielsa impressed with Halme and Whelan also satisfied, perhaps the youngster will retain his place in the Leeds starting lineup against Reading at Elland Road this evening.

Pontus Jansson is injured at the moment, and it only makes sense for Halme to start this evening.