Javi Gracia says Leeds have a ‘motivated’ player you can ‘trust’ in Rasmus Kristensen

Add as preferred source on Google

Javi Gracia has heaped praise on Rasmus Kristensen after starting the Leeds United defender for the first time in the Premier League since the Spaniard replaced Jesse Marsch as manager – telling media you can “trust” the Dane.

Gracia made a number of changes to his Leeds side on Saturday afternoon, springing more than one surprise. He started with Brenden Aaronson as a false nine, leaving Rodrigo, Georgie Rutter and Patrick Bamford on the bench.

Pascal Struijk was preferred to Liam Cooper and Kristensen was deployed in a midfield role, alongside Marc Roca and Jack Harrison. Weston McKennie, who picked up the flu while on international break, only on the sub’s bench.

Kristensen did not look out of place, though, as he tried to help Luke Ayling deal with Gabriel Martinelli. Ultimately, Leeds lost 4-1 but Kristensen did get his second goal in two games. Gracia praised the summer signing, afterwards.

“You can believe and trust in him because he plays in different positions in a good way. Motivated. Good to have players like Ras,” Gracia told his post-match press conference at The Emirates after the 4-1 loss, as per Leeds Live.

Gracia praises Kristensen after starting Leeds ace for first time in League

Of course, Gracia has also used Kristensen in the FA Cup against Fulham at centre-back, while deploying him on the right of a front three at Wolves just after the hour. It took Kristensen a matter of seconds to score after coming on.

Clearly, Gracia has unearthed a versatility in Kristensen, using him in three different positions since his arrival – none of which are his natural position. Maybe, Leeds have just found – out of nowhere – their new version of Stuart Dallas.