Kalle Lehtinen has told the Finnish media that Leeds United defender Aapo Halme reminds him of a young Sami Hyypia after coaching the 20 year old at FC Honka.
At the weekend the young central defender made his debut for the Championship side, which has caused some excitement back in Finland.
Speaking to Helsingin Sanomat, Lehtinen was asked if the Leeds United player was suited to the English game, and the Finnish coach believes there are similarities with the former Liverpool captain: “He had bad luck at first because of injury. Then he suddenly plays and makes his debut. The Championship is a really tough competition. He’s very much like a young Hyypia. Both let their work speak for itself.”
To be compared to his compatriot will only come as boost to Halme at this stage of his career. Regarded as one of the best Premier League defenders, Hyypia made over 300 appearances in the English top flight for Liverpool.
The former Finland international also won the Champions League with the Merseyside club in 2005, to go with his two FA Cup titles.
Halme signed for Leeds United in the last winter window from HJK Helsinki for a fee in the region of £500k. However, the Finland U21 international picked up a serious foot injury shortly after joining the English side, ruling him out for the remainder of last season.
Due to Pontus Jansson pulling out of the game with Bristol City because of injury the young Finn got his chance on Saturday, with Marcelo Bielsa’s team picking up all three points in a 2-0 victory.
The victory keeps Leeds United just outside the automatic promotion places, three points behind leaders Norwich City.
ND
