After signing from Celtic in the summer of 2021, the 19-year-old left the Elland Road club for the first time to move to Rotherham on a loan move until the end of the season.
Though primarily a left-back, Hjelde can operate in multiple positions in defence, a fact that pleases the Rotherham boss, who insists that his club have been looking at a player of his profile this month.
“Left-sided defender, who can play left-back and left of the back three. So, flexible in terms of the balance we have been looking for in that department”, Taylor told a press conference.
Having experienced a relegation battle first-hand during his stint at Ross County previously, Taylor believes that Hjelde will be able to assist the Millers in their battle for survival at the end of the season.
“He is only 19 he has been out on loan at Ross County and saying so, he has experienced Scottish football, I think he was in a relegation battle at a time he was 17 or 18.
“He has a bit of experience at that level, been on the pitch for Leeds at the top level. So, he is a good player.
“But he is only 19, so we have to be right in terms of when he plays and what position he plays in, keeping his game simple, making him understand that whatever position he plays in he is a defender first and foremost.
“Also we would like a bit of freshness and a little bit of positive mentality within the group and he is someone we are looking forward to work with.”
The teenager has donned the Leeds United shirt on five occasions, two of which came in the Premier League, and the Whites will monitor him closely during his loan spell.
