Former Celtic centre-back Leo Hjelde is clearly making the right strides since his move to Leeds United in the summer.
Celtic fans were left disappointed when Hjelde, who signed for the club in 2019 and developed through the academy system, decided to end his Parkhead ambitions and move to the bright lights of the EPL instead.
The move at face value seemed a strange one. He was effectively ditching the Celtic B side and Leeds U23s. It felt like a sidewards step. In fact, given Ange Postecoglou’s determination to invest in youth products, perhaps even a downward one.
But it appears as though the decision has actually worked out just fine for him. He’s certainly caught the eye of Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa even this early on.
Hjelde has already been involved in three first-team matchday squads with the English Premier League outfit. He was on the bench against Watford on Saturday, a decision that followed another benched slot against West Ham last week. His first came in the EFL Cup against Fulham days previously.
That means over the last three Leeds first-team matches, Hjelde has been involved with the first-team squad. A fine achievement given he only signed for the club back in August.
Leo Hjelde making his mark at Leeds United already
Hjelde has also recently taken the captain’s armband for the U23 squad. It’s clear, even this early on, that his leadership qualities are shining through. It also shows the appreciation Leeds appear to have with the player’s development at Lennoxtown over the last two years.
It’s difficult to grudge Hjelde the progress he’s made in such a short period of time down south. Granted, he’s still to actually make his first-team debut despite his recent rise. But even that looks like it’s coming in the near future.
From a Celtic perspective, it’s actually more frustrating than anything. Given the defensive problems we’ve had, we could’ve done with Hjelde breaking into the senior side this season.
He was being utilised regularly in pre-season under Postecoglou. It looked like he was being primed to make his big Parkhead breakthrough this season. And given the impression he’s leaving on the coaching staff at Leeds, it’s clear to see he would’ve been knocking on the Celtic door.
There’s always something a bit more frustrating when a promising youth player departs. Especially considering Celtic have been training him up since he was 15. It leaves a bitter taste that he left right when it looked as though a first-team spot was coming his way.
But you can’t argue with his progress since then. It’s all working out for him nicely. Six months ago he was with a struggling Ross County, but now he’s training under one of the world’s best coaches and part of EPL match squads. Fair play to him.
In other news, Fresh Pittodrie clip captures brilliant Callum McGregor moment with Celtic fans
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