Ross County defender tipped to be the next Virgil van Dijk
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Ross County manager John Hughes has heaped praise on January loan signing Leo Hjelde, backing him to emulate the success of Virgil van Dijk.
Hjelde is on loan in Dingwall from Celtic, and the 17-year-old Norwegian has made nine appearances so far – scoring his first senior goal in the 3–2 win over Kilmarnock last month.
Hughes, himself a former defender at Parkhead, has been impressed with what he has seen from the teenager and believes Hjelde could reach the very top of the game – saying he could be playing for Celtic’s first team next season.
“Leo is going to be the next van Dijk, trust me on that,” Hughes said.
“I would love to see him make his debut for Celtic and become a regular.
“We want him to play his part in keeping Ross County in the Premiership then play for Celtic next season.
“Before he came here it was Leeds United who wanted him and he had to sign an extension for his loan to go through.
“Everything a loan does for a young kid, the physical challenge, playing in men’s football and standing up to it, it has benefited everybody.”
Hughes has been just as pleased with how Hjelde has settled in off the park.
It has not all been totally plain sailing on the pitch, but Hughes has seen more than enough to want the defender to return to County next season if he is not going to feature at Celtic.
“He’s got a lot to learn but to come up here away from home, he’s settled in really well,” Hughes explained.
“If Celtic think he’s still got a bit of learning to do we’d look at it for next season.
“There have been disappointments, one or two times he could have done better, but that’s how you learn.
“He’s a really good kid with a very bright future.
“He missed last week with a virus, but when he gets back he’s got to challenge again. I take my hat off to him, he’s acquitted himself well and I think he’s got a massive future.”
