20-year-old Leeds man described as ‘rolls royce’ after helping country win 7-0 twice during break

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Leo Hjelde has endured a difficult start to the season with Leeds United but his confidence will have improved greatly after the international break – having helped Norway’s U21 side win 7-0 in both games.

Hjelde, 20, featured regularly in pre-season and it saw Daniel Farke start him at left-back against Cardiff. But he was hooked at half-time. The same at Shrewsbury in the FA Cup – 90 minutes against Salford.

That is the ex-Celtic defender’s lot so far – meaning he has only played at senior level for Leeds eight times in his career, since swapping Parkhead for Elland Road in the summer of 2021, costing a £1m fee.

Not many at Leeds will have wanted the international break to come – but Hjelde will have. The chance to get away and play for his country. He impressed. Norway’s 21’s won 7-0 at San Marino and Latvia.

Hjelde played 90 minutes in both games, playing on the left of a two-man central defence – rather than left-back at Leeds. Perhaps, his natural role. Hjelde posted on Instagram “the boys are having fun”.

Leeds man Leo Hjelde helped Norway’s U21 side win 7-0 twice

Hjelde is in a difficult position at Leeds. Junior Firpo is returning from injury while Jamie Shackleton and Sam Byram have impressed on the left of the defence – more so than Hjelde. He will struggle to play.

Especially, given Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper are first choice on the left side of central defence. It will be interesting to see if Hjelde can break back in – the chances are, he leaves the club on loan in January.

But his confidence will be restored after the break. Indeed, Anderlecht gem and Norway U21 teammate Kristian Arnstad. Manchester United’s Isak Aaroen also commented – mirroring Hjelde’s initial caption.