Quite an enjoyable interview. Comes across as an intelligent down to earth footballer.

I’m not overly convinced by Ekdal but I hope for him and us he has an excellent season.

I thought the comment about being more prepared this time round was interesting

Enjoyed this interview. Good call out on the prepared comment above. I think this is two fold: one, the players who were part of that squad have the experience, it’s not like kids at Christmas anymore, they know what to expect, two, the signings mainly all come with PL experience, some significant, while others (Hartman & Tchaouna) come with top European level experience. Interested to see how Ekdal does. He has never really been fully fit with us, this is probably the first time. He impressed in some games last time, I recall he was superb in the stupid 1-1 at home to Brighton, when Muric cost us a win and clean sheet. He starts for Sweden in defence alongside a lad Leeds just paid £10m for.

If we play a back 3 i think he`s definetely capable of doing a job for us this season. Don`t think he`s quick or strong enough to play in a back 4 at this level.

I have the highest regard for those who can speak a second language and Hjalmar does it very well.

Hopefully he can stay fit. Always thought he’s a solid defender when he has played.

I am another who is not convinced he has the acceleration speed for the prem (i have thought this from when he first came into the team under VK), but i stand to be corrected. There are some things to like about him though, ok with ball at his feet, reads the game infront of him quite well, attacks set pieces.

I really hope he does well

This post including the video and respponses I find very heartening. The measured comments are so diffeerent than some of those I've read on other threads. Maybe thats becaause the responses here are responses to a real person who shpws his commitment and his realism. I always tend to want players to do well raather than to become scapegoats for my frustrations. Ekdal showed us that he was well aware of what was needed, he understands why he couldnt get back into the team after his injury . I seem to remember that many of us weren't excited about having to rely on CJ when he first came in to replace Ekdal. I hope that Ekdal has the same impact this time that CJ had last season.

Ekdal is an anagram of Dalek.

Worrying

While the concerns about his lack of pace are valid, he might be alright in a back 3 and maybe offer a potential goal threat from set pieces we’ve not seen for a while.

Im_not_Robbie_Blake wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 15, 2025 12:48 pm

Ekdal is an anagram of Dalek.

Worrying

EXTERMINATE EXTERMINATE

CJ Egan Riley's Marseille lost 1-0 to ten man Rennes in the 91st minute tonight, not the best looking offside trap

https://x.com/JayVtid/status/1956466498463051883

I think that interview shows that Ekdal is a very intelligent person with a great attitude. I can understand why Parker wants him in the squad and presumably the starting 11. I hope he has a great season. He doesn't have a lot of pace but if Parker sets us up to defend deeply, I think that will suit him. He reads the game well and from what I can remember, he's pretty decent on the ball.