Leeds United’s Under 23 side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bolton Wanders on Monday but Aapo Halme’s individual showing on the day certainly stood out for fans who were following the game.
The 20-year-old centre-half made the move to Leeds from HJK Helsinki back in the last January window following impressive performances and development for his former club. Having been identified as one for the future – and with the club reportedly paying £500,000 for his services – his start to life at Elland Road wasn’t great as the youngster picked up a serious foot injury and saw himself ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
After nearly nine months out injured as he worked his way back to fitness, he took to the pitch for the first time back on August 27 as we faced Queens Park Rangers at Under 23 level, and the Finnish youth international followed that up again this week with all 90 minutes in the most recent match.
Although we lost the tie, Halme came in for some significant praise and fans are delighted he’s back on an upward curve now as he plays catch up.
Good summary Joe, not our night tonight & Bolton were better. Halme looks very good.
— paul warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) September 24, 2018
Halme looks a good player, calm and collected at the back #LUFC
— Leeds United Editor (@LeedsEditor) September 24, 2018
Halme looks a player. It’s just that last ball that’s lacking for #lufc
— Jack Douglas (@JDouglasSport) September 24, 2018
23' Leeds are growing into this now very nicely, dominating possession. Halme and Diaz look very comfortable with the ball at feet #lufc
— Jack Douglas (@JDouglasSport) September 24, 2018
44' Aapo Halme with a great last ditch tackle to deny Bolton going 2-0 up. Tom Pearce is down receiving treatment as Bolton wait to take the corner #lufc
— Jack Douglas (@JDouglasSport) September 24, 2018
Another young lad making his way in the game and it might well be worth remembering his name for the coming years if he develops as our youth coaches no doubt hope he will.