Leeds United have had a solid start to the Premier League campaign due, in part, to the summer signings. One player that has had a slow start to his career at Elland Road has been left-back, Rasmus Kristensen.
Kristensen has had some struggles with the Premier League wingers but still has had some positive moments to build off. More recently, Kristensen seems to be finding his game. It may be just in time as Luke Ayling is inching closer and closer to game shape.
Ayling has been a solid player for Leeds and was a big part of the club’s promotion to the Premier League. He had a solid first season in the Premier League but has had his ups and downs moving forward.
The production plus injuries were the reason for the Kristensen move this summer. Not to mention, Kristensen has familiarity with Jesse Marsch.
Leeds’ 1-1 Draw With Everton
The Whites were able to come back from a goal down in the first half to salvage a point against Everton at Elland Road. Despite outplaying Everton, Leeds was unable to get the go-ahead goal. The chances were strong enough to take the lead, but this team is still growing and finding fitness.
A huge moment in the match was when Kristensen and Anthony Gordon went head-to-head, literally. The two were battling all night and after a late knock by Gordon, Kristensen confronted him face-to-face.
Many players became involved in the scrum and the benches went at it as well. Gordon and Kristensen both were given yellow cards for the incident. This seemed to light a fire in Kristensen that Leeds supporters have been waiting for all season.
✅ Successful tackles for #LUFC vs Everton
— Leeds United News (@LeedsUnitedYEP) August 30, 2022
4️⃣ Rasmus Kristensen
4️⃣ Diego Llorente
4️⃣ Pascal Struijk
4️⃣ Tyler Adams
3️⃣ Marc Roca pic.twitter.com/OtU8Z2BfJi
To this point, he had lost a few battles to the Toffee winger and was having another below-average match. But the altercation with Gordon brought Kristensen to another level. He played sound defensive football and had a jump in his step on the offensive side of the ball.
More importantly, Kristensen saved a goal with his head to keep the game knotted at one. He exuberantly celebrated after the ball was cleared out of danger. This sequence and match may have been just what Kristensen needed to get comfortable in his new surroundings.
Although it is disappointing to leave two points on the table, if Kristensen can turn into the monster he was at RB Leipzig, it was well worth it.