Daniel Farke would give a number of young players the start in preseason and the opening games of the season because of Leeds’ thin summer roster.
Among them was Leo Hjelde, who was the team’s sole viable left-back option at the beginning of the season until Sam Byram arrived and took over.
Now, where is Leo Hjelde?
After being loaned out to Rotherham United for the second half of the previous season, Hjelde made three appearances in August and seemed like someone Farke wanted to take a closer look at. Despite his talent, Hjelde was still a raw presence in defense.
He had trouble against Cardiff City and then against Shrewsbury in the EFL Cup. Byram came on at halftime to replace him, and that helped turn the tide of both games.
He played in two matches during this international break for Norway’s under-21 team, logging 135 minutes. Since the beginning of September, he has played more for his nation than even Leeds’ under-21 team, making one appearance in the PL International Cup victory over Nice.
Must we give Hjelde a loan?
Hjelde fared quite well against Salford City after those two subpar outings, although Leeds were eliminated on penalties (he scored his). However, that was against League Two opposition, which indicates that Farke isn’t too confident in him at the moment. For a talented 20-year-old center defender, Hjelde’s complete absence from the team since the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday is just unacceptable. Given how well Pascal Struijk is playing, we already know that he won’t be playing in the middle of defense for us anytime soon. He has also demonstrated that he isn’t a left-back at all.
Although his transfer to Rotherham did aid in his league adjustment, it was insufficient to assure him that he is fully prepared for a 46-game Championship season. Therefore, one would expect that the club views January as a prime opportunity for him to return.
Hjelde would be far better off leaving than staying and playing essentially no football, regardless of where he finishes in League One or the Championship.
