Leeds United are a step closer to securing the signing of Danish right-back Rasmus Kristensen ahead of a move from RB Salzburg - the second potential signing from the club. Last week, the West Yorkshire side announced that they had secured Brenden Aaronson who joined for £25 million.
It was reported earlier today that the move for Kristensen is indeed heading in the right direction. The exciting 24-year-old right-back has been described as the best defender in Austria after an impressive season with Marsch's former side.
The Danish defender is being touted for a £10million move away from the Red Bull Arena this summer, with Jesse Marsch keen on a rendezvous with the 24-year-old. But what will Leeds be getting in the right-back?
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The right-back scored 10 goals and registered eight assists for Red Bull Salzburg in 45 appearances this season — a total of 18 goal contributions from full-back. He's a quick attacker and a accomplished defender who is comfortable going forward, Kristensen has all the tools to fit into Jesse Marsch's aggressive system.
In Marsch's 4-2-2-2, the full-backs are asked to push forward, with the defensive midfielders covering while the attacking midfielders and wingers play narrow to support the attackers.
Stylistically, Kristensen plays with a similar style to Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has revolutionised the position. One of the biggest strengths of Alexander-Arnold is his frequent rate of putting balls into the box and creative prowess.
Alexander-Arnold averages 4.46 crosses per 90 this season as per Wyscout — Kristensen is close having averaged 3.94 crosses per 90. Alexander-Arnold is also excellent creatively, making 2.27 shot assists meanwhile Kristensen is slightly inferior averaging 1.24 shot assists — though this is still high for a full-back.
Kristensen also makes 1.03 smart passes per 90 in the Champions League which is only 0.04 behind Alexander-Arnold in the competition.
Whilst Luke Ayling has been more of a defensive minded full-back, it's not out of the question to see him move to centre-back, with full-backs in need to be more direct offensively in the system - something as discussed, Kristensen brings.
If Leeds are able to secure his signature for just £10 million, it could be an absolute bargain.
