Rasmus Kristensen has admitted being dropped from the Denmark squad hurt after scoring his first Leeds United goal. An announcement in midweek confirmed the 25-year-old will miss upcoming clashes against Finland and Denmark.
A lack of first-team opportunities at Leeds forced Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand to drop Kristensen, who has 13 international caps. The right-back, signed last summer from Red Bull Salzburg, has not started a game since the clash against Manchester City on December 28.
However, Kristensen was called into action from the bench just days after suffering his international setback. Javi Gracia’s faith was repaid as the defender put in arguably his best performance in a Whites shirt.
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Tasked with playing slightly further forward, Kristensen burst forward midway through the second half and slotted a cool finish past Jose Sa to make it 3-0. Speaking post-match, he opened up about scoring his first goal for United - a feat that may have silenced his Denmark doubters.
“We fought that one all the way to the end,” Kristensen said. “(It’s a) massive three points. Obviously, we’re very happy. It’s a great way to go into the international break.
“It was nice to come in. I always try to give my best and luckily I could help the team today. The gaffer told me to get in the box from the winger’s position. I saw Jack (Harrison) with the ball, I know he has a very good cross.
“I came a bit late for the first cross. But I stayed in the duel, managed to get the ball with my feet and got a shot off. It was a scrappy game but that’s how it is sometimes. We always had the belief (about staying up) but three points is a massive boost
“I don’t know about my celebration because I don’t score many goals. It was just pure emotion, I guess. It’s been a tough week, being dropped from the national team, but I’ve stayed focused and (I am trying to) play the best football I can.”
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