Leo Hjelde has explained the key difference between Sunderland and Leeds United.
Leo Hjelde is used to playing with some brilliant players, having begun his career with Celtic before joining Leeds United in 2021.
The Norwegian only managed a handful of appearances for the Whites though, before he was sent out on loan to Rotherham United in the second half of last season.
Leeds United’s relegation offered Hjelde a way into the first team, however he has only made one appearance in the Championship before joining Sunderland for a reported £2 million on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Hjelde has already been applauded for his debut for the Black Cats, while he has also praised the ‘exciting’ squad on Wearside.
The 20-year-old is one of many youngsters in Sunderland’s squad, and he has highlighted that as the main difference compared to the Whites.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Hjelde said: “If you look at the Sunderland squad compared to the one at Leeds, I don’t really think there’s any difference in terms of quality. The biggest difference is probably the age of the squad.
“We probably don’t have as much experience here. But the quality of the boys is definitely right up there. It’s unbelievable really, and that’s the reason why the club has this philosophy of signing young, exciting talent. The squad is really good, I’m very pleased with what I’ve come into.”
Unsurprisingly, Sunderland have the lowest average age at only 22.6 years old. However, Leeds United’s isn’t actually much higher, taking third place at 24.1.
Leo Hjelde is one of many young players in the team, but he did become a regular for Rotherham United last term as they avoided relegation, and that Championship experience could prove vital in his time on Wearside.
Where does Leo Hjelde stand in the Sunderland squad?
The defender was previously nicknamed the ‘next [Virgil] van Dijk’, though will perhaps have to act as more of an Andy Robertson as he is deployed on the left-side of defence at the Stadium of Light.
It will be interesting to see where he plays once Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin come back into the frame though, with both players making a very good claim for a place in the starting line-up.
Having both Alese and Hjelde in the squad will be very handy though, with both able to play at central defence and full-back.
Jenson Seelt will also be looking to continue his push for a regular spot in the team too.