There are 15 players on Leeds United’s books that are on international duty during the March break and one of them got into a fight with a ball boy on Sunday, after scoring.
Brenden Aaronson has been left behind by Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT but Isaac Schmidt has linked up with Switzerland’s squad in a surprise call, just one of 15 Leeds players with their countries.
Among the first-team Leeds players, those representing U21 and U19 sides and those out on loan from Leeds but still playing for their countries, Rasmus Kristensen has been called-up for Denmark once again.
The right-back is on fire with Bundesliga side Frankfurt and Kristensen is expected to join Frankfurt on a permanent basis. A deal is believed to cost £5m, meaning Leeds are set to make a £5m loss on Kristensen.
Rasmus Kristensen scores again for Frankfurt and fights ball boy
Frankfurt secured a 3-1 away win over Bochum on Sunday, a solid win that saw Kristensen score the first. His first-time effort was saved but the Dane netted the rebound with aplomb, as it bounced back to him.
That is now six goals and assists for Kristensen this season, scoring three himself. But in an eventful game, Kristensen also got into a scrap with a ball boy and had a tussle with Bochum fans as per German site FR.
“An important goal to put Frankfurt 1-0 up. No matter. A game tailor-made for him, physical and nippy. He even got into a fight with the ball boy and the crowd, which he needs. A strong performance.”
Why did it never work for Rasmus Kristensen at Leeds?
Wherever Kristensen has played throughout his career, it is clear that he has done well when he is first choice in a side pushing at the top of the table. A side that focuses on attack, rather than his defending.
At Salzburg, Kristensen thrived because they were an attacking side, fighting for the title. At Leeds, it was a different kind of battle – a side fighting relegation with more focus put on the Dane’s defending.
Ultimately, it was a poor signing because Kristensen was not suited to fighting a relegation battle. He has thrived when his side are on the attack – like, at Frankfurt who continue to push for European honours.
If Kristensen was in this Leeds side in the Championship, there is no doubt he would impress but in the Premier League where survival is key, Kristensen struggles. Frankfurt is a better place for the defender.
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