Team

Rössing-Lelesiit’s impressive and fearless debut

The 18-year-old Norwegian celebrated his Bundesliga debut in Mönchengladbach and also made his first league start for the Rothosen. In a conversation with HSV.DE, the winger gave an insight into how he is feeling.

HSV’s return to the Bundesliga away to Gladbach (0-0) had many storylines attached to it, one of them written by youngster Alexander Rössing-Lelesiit. The Norwegian was one of 11 HSV players to make their Bundesliga debut, with his coming as a result of being included in the Rothosen starting XI. Head coach Merlin Polzin described it as “one of the many cool stories from this game,” when asked about the inclusion of Rössing-Lelesiit at just 18 years, seven months and four days.

Rössing-Lelesiit became the youngest HSV debutant to be included in a Bundesliga starting line-up since Jan-Fiete Arp. The HSV academy product made his first start in a home game against Stuttgart on 4th November 2017, four months before his 18th birthday, placing him in the list of the youngest Bundesliga starters for the Rothosen, just behind record holder Jonathan Tah (17 years, 5 months). In total, only seven players have made their Bundesliga debuts at a younger age than Rössing-Lelesiit, whose debut shirt will always be special to him. “The shirt is definitely something special. I'll give it to my little brother and family so they can keep it safe at home. I'm very grateful to them for supporting me throughout my journey,” said the Norwegian to hsv.de.

Valuable advice from Dompe

The tricky winger, who signed from Lilleström SK in January, proved himself to be brave, fearless and expressive in his play – a carefree talent. “It was such good fun to play from the start. I've never been in a starting eleven in front of so many spectators. It felt incredible, as did the game itself,” explained Rössing-Lelesiit. “It’s only natural that I was slightly nervous, but the boys supported me, especially Jean-Luc Dompe. He spoke to me before the game and said: Don’t worry about it. You’re still young and even if you don’t play your best you will get another chance.”

All those nerves at the start quickly disappeared after kick off. The Norwegian U19 international played without fear and made his presence known, forcing keeper Nicolas to make a save in HSV’s most dangerous attack of the second half. “During the game I was completely focused and didn’t pay attention to everything surrounding me. I just tried to do my best.” He was impressed by the level of football being played: “The Bundesliga is a fantastic standard. There are few mistakes and it’s a lot more physical.” According to the 18-year-old himself, work still needs to be done to improve. “I still need to get better physically, as well as improve my finishing and crossing and so on – I’m going to continue working hard to be able to maintain this level in the long term.”

The next chance could come on Friday evening, in the local derby with FC St. Pauli. “It’s going to be an exciting game. The fans here are crazy – like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” said the youngster. “At Gladbach, the HSV fans were a lot louder than the home supporters at times, even though it was an away game. Naturally, all we want is to win the derby with the fans right behind us.” The HSV fans should be excited about Rössing-Lelesiit, as the fearless talent seems hungry for more.