Rotherham United captain Richard Wood has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that Leo Hjelde has been a “quality” addition at the New York Stadium – and has backed the Norwegian talent to go on and have a Premier League career.
Hjelde, 19, joined Championship strugglers at Rotherham on loan in the January window after just five senior outings for Leeds since his move from Celtic. He has since clocked up six outings for Rotherham in their fight against the drop.
He joined Rotherham with the club struggling towards the bottom of the Championship. But in his six games, Hjelde is yet to experience defeat – winning three, and drawing three. On Saturday, he helped his side win 3-1 against QPR.
Millers captain Wood commented on Hjelde following the 3-1 win over QPR on the weekend and he was full of praise for the Leeds talent. Indeed, he predicted a Premier League career for the defender – criticising only his dress sense.
“The only dodgy thing about Leo Hjelde is his dress sense. The young Norwegian has been a quality January loan addition for us at left-back. I watched our 2-1 win over Sunderland and he was a stand-out performer,” Wood said.
“He’s going to have a career in the Premier League and I’m sure he’ll also go on to play for Norway’s national side. His English is excellent and he’s fitted in really well with the lads. Some of his gear is open to question however.”
Wood backs Leeds talent Hjelde to have a Premier League career
Hjelde has certainly helped Rotherham rise up the table in the Championship, with his loan side now eight points clear of the drop zone in 18th place. With only 11 league games left to play, Rotherham look as good as safe, right now.
Of course, they will need a few more results to go their way but with Hjelde still unbeaten since his move from Elland Road to Rotherham – it looks as though they will stave off the threat of the drop. Leeds will have been impressed.
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