Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has heaped praise on centre-back Leo Hjelde after impressing in the 3-2 win over West Ham United last weekend.
The Norweigen came on as a 23rd-minute substitute, replacing Junior Firpo at the London Stadium and he slotted straight into the defence with Pascal Struijk switching to left-back.
Hjelde made his United debut in the FA Cup defeat on January 9 and backed up a promising first start with another accomplished performance, limiting Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio to very few opportunities in the meantime.
At just 18, there's no doubt Hjelde has a huge future ahead of him and Beckford is excited to watch his progression in the Leeds side.
He told the official Leeds United podcast: "The young boy Hjelde, what a player he is looking like by the way.
"I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but that’s twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very strong, very quick, very physical forward in Michail Antonio and a very tricky player in Jarrod Bowen.
"I don’t want to say that he had them in his pocket, but I think he did. So it’s looking very very good and very promising for the future as well."
Having made the move from Celtic in the summer, Hjelde has become an important member of the Under 23s side, starting in eight matches but his performances has since earned a spot in the first-team squad.
The 18-year-old became the ninth teenager to make his Premier League debut in the important victory over the Hammers and he didn't do himself any harm with his display that's for sure.
In possession, Hjelde looked composed and confident, completing 36 passes, one accurate long pass and one cross.
Meanwhile, he was solid defensively and did an excellent job of keeping Bowen quiet given his form which has caught the attention of the some of the top Premier League clubs, recording one interception, one tackle and three clearances.
It was an afternoon to remember and he will be looking to build on that over the final third of the season.
