Leo Hjelde: Sunderland have just as much quality as former side Leeds

How do Sunderland compare to Leeds in terms of quality? Pretty well according to a player who has worked within both squads.

Sunderland have just as much quality in their squad as Championship rivals Leeds United, says recent recruit Leo Hjelde.

Leeds currently sit third in the table and are pushing for automatic promotion with a budget that dwarfs that of Sunderland’s due to Premier League parachute payments.

Hjelde left Leeds in January but he hasn’t seen any real drop-off in terms of the quality of the two squads, although he does think the difference in experience is telling.

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“If you look at the Sunderland squad compared to the one at Leeds, I don’t really think there’s any difference in terms of quality,” Hjelde said. “The biggest difference is probably the age of the squad.

“We probably don’t have as much experience here, but the quality of the boys is definitely right up there.

“It’s unbelievable really, and that’s the reason why the club has this philosophy of signing young, exciting talent. The squad is really good, I’m very pleased with what I’ve come in to.”

Whilst Sunderland supporters were calling for some experience to be added in January, Sunderland double-downed on their commitment to signing and developing young players.

As well as Hjelde, 20-year-old Romaine Mundle arrived from Standard Liege and 23-year-old Callum Styles from Barnsley.

Hjelde, though, points out that Sunderland’s dedication to developing talent is a huge reason why top young players want to move to Wearside.

“I spoke with the club before moving and had a good chat with the gaffer as well, and the philosophy at the club is playing young talent, and I think that’s really exciting,” he said.

“If you look at the team, there’s not many players that are over 25 so there’s a lot of potential to grow and develop together.

“It’s a great dressing room to come into, and that’s one of the reasons why I signed as well.”

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