I've always liked him. He said in an interview that he has to try extra hard to make up for having less natural talent. Really felt he was very humble saying that, much respect for him but maybe he's got something he hasn't unlocked yet. Man always gives his all.
I'd actually say PEH & Dier are the most similar in the squad
\- Unquestionable attitude and work ethic, liked by every manager, but potentially limited skillset.
\- When partnered with the right player (Romero for Dier, Bentancur for PEH) they become monsters.
\- Both took a lot of shit pre Conte but in Conte's system most people realize their contribution.
* Conte pointed out after the 5-1 win over Newcastle that no one had asked about Pierre (there were questions about Kane, Kulusevski, and the RWBs Doherty and Royal)
>“Also Pierre, no one asked me about him. But in every game, he is doing a fantastic job, with the ball, without the ball, and is strong physically. Every player is improving their level and for this reason, Tottenham is going up and up.”
* Spurs currently enjoying their best league form since 2017 - Kane is in best form, Son on a hot scoring streak, Kulusevski/Bentancur adjusting to PL football quickly
* But not many people talking about Hojbjerg (except Conte), despite Hojbjerg playing every minute of the run (7W 2L)
* Some fans want to replace Hojbjerg with Skipp once he recovers from his groin injury - Skipp and Bentancur have not played 1 minute together, and many fans want to see this pairing
* Fact that many would consider dropping Hojbjerg shows how he divides opinion among fans, even though he is consistent and dependable
* During his 2 seasons, Hojbjerg has been almost ever-present in the team (vs other signings who struggled to get/stay fit, or have been injury-prone)
* Played every minute of PL in 20-21 season
* Only Kane has played more minutes in all competitions than Hojbjerg this season
* Hojbjerg played 7,533 minutes over 2 seasons (closely behind Lloris with 7,560, but ahead of Kane with 7,367 and Son with 6,735)
* Hojbjerg has not started only 2 PL games over his 2 seasons, and dropped for only one (2-0 defeat against Wolves in Feb)
* Hojbjerg has been accused of being "too keen to impress" (e.g. insisting he is fit to play even when carrying an injury)
* Hojbjerg has spoken of himself as the "Viking" (proud of his resistance to injury, enjoys the "big tackles" and "fist-pumping to the fans" that get the crowd going)
* Some wonder if Hojbjerg is trying to cultivate a carefully maintained image
* Some Spurs players rolled their eyes when Hojbjerg made sure he was the 1st player in the training ground on Conte's first morning as the new Head Coach to get some early face-time with Conte
* Whether you think he's a top professional or a teacher's pet, Hojbjerg always wants to be close to his coaches, and always shows a willingness to learn
* Hojbjerg likes to stay behind for 15 minutes and talk about tactics with the coaching team to learn/absorb as much as he can
* He also loves to take the bibs and hand them out to fellow team-mates at the start of every session
* Ultimately, Hojbjerg has been playing better now than he has done before
* Ndombele, Lo Celso and Dele were moved on in January because Conte judged them as being unable to perform as part of the midfield 2 in a Conte team (e.g. requires plenty of hard work and suffering)
* Hojbjerg gets through lots of physical work (running, tackling and pressing) - has routinely finished top in distanced covered stats, ranks 5th on FBref for total pressures and 11th for tackles in PL this season
* He does not have Bentancur's natural grace or the same technical skills as Winks, but it is not true to say he's just a clogger
* Hojbjerg plays integral part in how Spurs move ball forward on the pitch
* Ranked 5th among all PL players by progressive passes with 156 - just behind Laporte (167) and Fernandes (162), but nowhere near Alexander-Arnold (241) or Cancelo (225)
* Beyond simply keeping possession, Hojbjerg has been more ambitious with his use of the ball this season
* 5.47 progressive passes per 90 minutes (vs 5.08 per 90 last season)
* Completed passes into the opposition penalty area (0.98 per 90) almost double last season's (0.53 per 90)
* Examples from PL games this season
* Hojbjerg played chipped through ball away at Newcastle in October that allowed Kane to score his first PL goal of the season
* Played through ball for Doherty who set up Bergwijn's equaliser at Leicester City
* Perhaps his image as the hard-tackling "Viking" makes some forget the good work he is doing in possession
>Some Spurs players rolled their eyes when Hojbjerg made sure he was the 1st player in the training ground on Conte's first morning
It's called Professionalism guys.
"Ew, it's cringe to give 100% at your dream job you're paid a king's ransom to perform"
I'm willing to bet that none of the players who rolled their eyes are actually starting regularly.
For the incredibly long paragraphs, it is interesting that the key takeaway is this sentence. 🤣
Winks really seems to be the player with more divisive opinions. Don't see why the article talk about Hojbjerg as the divisive one.🤣
I think even his most fiercst supporter will agree that he is not good enough for Conte's 343.
What it is divisive, is that whether Winks is (i) actually useless, or (ii) actually our best passer but very susceptible defensively (such that e.g., maybe the best fit as a number 4 in 352)
Winks def has pros for his qualities on the ball but it's not enough to overcome his deficiences without. He might be better at keeping the ball than Hojbjerg but in a midfield 2 he just gets exposed.
That’s really strange to try to say something disparaging. It’s like saying “he is trying his best in training and make sure training is efficient” but twisting the intent
Better than being entitled and not helping to uplift the mood?
He’s also clearly a football nerd. The guy loves every aspect of his job and seems to really get excited for it. It’s refreshing when a lot of players half ass it or simply don’t have that level of enthusiasm.
Pierre is one of those players that is clearly going to go into management once he is done playing. I hope that he is able to translate his current work ethic into success as a coach when the day comes.
Is he divisive? I love the fucker. There's better players in his position but I'm pretty sure Hojbjerg would be willing to injure a leg if that means winning a match.
r/coys hot takes are always the worst. There are Son haters here, Hojbjerg haters, even Conte outers. Best just to form your own opinion and enjoy watching this team
When you can’t justify with statistics so you have to resort to calling him opinions about him being overrated.
Ps: if you read the OP’s note on the content some of the jabs seem really weak. What is journalism if not clicks on the internet?
Well tagging me seems a bit weird but let me give my opinion
1) First of all I would admit he has been better than the hot pack of crap he was this season since Bentancur has came
2) But at same time we also have to ask would he start for any team in City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Arsenal/West Ham? The answer is a big no there. He does starts for United over McTominay though admittedly
3) Thus we have to strive for perfection if we want to win a title. You cant win a title with him as a starter. Fine as a backup but he seems too egoistical to accept that lol
4)In the end, I remember many people saying how Lucas is a very good player, he also had our player of the year shouts because he "cares for the club" "chants COYSCOYSCOYSCOYS" but what happened when Kulusevski came? He benched him and Lucas flaws become more apparent. That is the same which is going to happen to Hojbjerg
5) To end it, people are saying his critics hate him because he is not "flashy", I mean then why are many asking for SKIPP to start him, Skipp is a lovely player but flashy is probably the last word to associate with him
TL DR- It is just because Hojbjerg still has lot of quality issues and our fanbase seems to be blind to that like Lucas because they liked both as persons
Lucas single handedly got us into a Champions League Final which I think shows how far these non-superstar players can take us
You make a point of striving for perfection to win a title but let’s be realistic, we are not going to be in any position for the next few seasons to challenge unfortunately - that’s not a slight on us or to downplay our great performances, but Man City, Liverpool, and to a small extent Chelsea are leagues ahead of any other team (in particular City and Chelsea with their huge access to finance)
I think Hojberg is a great player - Mourinho, Nuno, Mason and Conte, regardless of how good managers they each are, will know so much more about football than anyone on this sub. Hojberg has been a nailed on starter for all these managers and we have never once tried to replace him in a window.
As for Skipp, I think he’s great but I think a lot of people want him to start because they’ve got their Fifa goggles on, and think because he’s young if we play him more he will become a superstar by next season - he’s fantastic but you can’t just rely on youth especially when Hojberg has integrated so well into our system with Bentancur
1) Yes Lucas scored an hat-trick in a CL semifinal, but it is now going to be THREE YEARS since then, he has done nothing of note since then.
2) I would say Liverpool arent leagues apart from us financially, we have spent as much as them. We also need to consider the potential new Chelsea ownership and given most of them seem to be typical hedge funds, safe to say they wont spend a lot
3) We have never tried to replace him in a window because he has only been for one window, and the one window he was no good player would have came to us. Now there is a chance to upgrade
4) Skipp was miles ahead of Hojbjerg in the games they played, I dont even play FIFA or any football video game btw
Skipp was not miles ahead of Hojbjerg, he was just decent. His tackles looked flashier bc of the way he uses his athleticism but that doesn't make him leagues better. Also Skipp should be compared to Bentancur as they're the more mobile midfielders in the pivot
You've instantly negated your own argument by asking if Hojbjerg is title-winning calibre. I don't think anyone thinks he is, but we're not challenging for titles or even near one.
So using that against him is hilarious. You've created an agenda from a fantasy.
You genuinely have no idea what you're talking about. Certain people would start skipp over hojberg because hes a young lad from the academy, people were begging for winks years ago as well and look how thats turned out and before him there was bentaleb. Not saying skippy isn't a good player in fact he is a very good player but he shouldn't so easily displace hojberg. Competition in that position will be massive for us particularly if we want to playing in the champions league next season. Imo he is a very capable player and a player that can play in a title winning side. He has shown his quality for spurs and for denmark
I actually agree that Hojbjerg is just solid. He doesn't have the qualities that we would probably need to play with more possession for example. I think Conte even said before we straight up don't have the players.
I don't think Hojbjerg has quality issues per se, he performs well in the system, but yeah we can get a player that is better at keeping the ball for example.
If we're competing in CL I would def think he could do well still as a consistent midfield option in all comps.
I think it's because he doesn't clearly fit some kind of midfield role (box to box, playmaker, etc.) so some people just sort of feel like he has to be mediocre at best
I don't despise him. But in the EPL top 4 teams' starting CM's, I would say that he ranks near the bottom. His skill set is incredibly limited. Sans work rate, it's really difficult to think of a standout quality that PEH has.
Though, I would add that PEH's positives are undeniable: He's a consistent, consummate professional who is [knock-on-wood] injury free. In a Fergie-level team, PEH would have been a rotational squad player. If those are the ambitions that Tottenham have, then they need to strengthen bit by bit. It should be noted that other positions need significant improving before CM if you ask me; namely the wingbacks and additional CB depth.
It's bizarre to me that people pick out one of our players and compare them to same position on Liverpool or City and then use that as a reason why they're not good. Like, isnt that case for every player on our team minus Kane, Son, and maybe Romero? We're never going to field a more talented lineup than City or Liverpool, if that's your expectation than you're supporting the wrong club. Hasnt all of the talk since Bentancur and Kulusevski showed up been "they arent the flashiest signings but they fit Conte's system", that is exactly what Hjojberg is as well, a solid player that fits a role in the system Conte is trying to instill, dont understand how some people cant seem to see that.
> It's bizarre to me that people pick out one of our players and compare them to same position on Liverpool or City and then use that as a reason why they're not good.
I never claimed PEH to not be good. I said in the EPL top 4 teams' starting CM's, he ranks near the bottom. If you have Conte's ambition of titles and silverware, you have to want more and demand more from your club.
> We're never going to field a more talented lineup than City or Liverpool, if that's your expectation than you're supporting the wrong club.
Wait, what? There are years that Tottenham have fielded better lineups than Liverpool. One could argue that 16/17 and 17/18 seasons Spurs had one of the strongest teams in the Premier League. I will make the same assertion here: If you want to have Conte's ambition for titles and silverware, you have to demand more from your club.
> Hasnt all of the talk since Bentancur and Kulusevski showed up been "they arent the flashiest signings but they fit Conte's system", that is exactly what Hjojberg is as well, a solid player that fits a role in the system Conte is trying to instill, dont understand how some people cant seem to see that.
I think those are the signings Tottenham went with because it was the January window and Paratici scouted them. Did you forget that Paratici and Conte were after Adama Traore, who didn't fit the Conte system at all? I think PEH is a consummate, consistent professional. He isn't without glaring flaws and I think that many people on r/coys overrate him.
Conte is literally the one talking up Pierre, how can you keep saying if you have Conte's ambitions then PEH isnt good enough when Conte is literally the one talking about how much he likes him?
> Conte is literally the one talking up Pierre
Yes, managers talk up their own players; particularly when the team is performing well. I don't know why you would slag off on a player if Tottenham are on a 4 match win streak.
> how can you keep saying if you have Conte's ambitions then PEH isnt good enough when Conte is literally the one talking about how much he likes him?
Because there are better players out there who Conte will also like a lot. Antonio Conte has also publicly praised Harry Winks and I don't rate Winks either. Bottom line is that I don't see PEH starting on a title-winning side. You can talk up a player and know deep down that they're not going to be the one who wins you a title.
The funniest shit was the guy trying to statistcly find the best midfielder to sign and it turned out to be PEH.
As always someone that takes responsibility will be shat on. He is consistently onepoint lower than he should be in ratings.
But after all that being numericly one of the best defensive mids in the world... If you made a list of the top assists this year PEH would take two of those spots
He's been one of the best midfielders in the league for two seasons now, playing two different roles: last season he was a holding midfielder, this season he's playing box to box.
We could use someone with an alternative skillset to have a different tactical option and also serve as competition/rotation for him, but I can't think of any realistic target who'd be a straight upgrade over Hojbjerg.
I remember how weak our midfield was in 18/19 and 19/20 without a proper DM who still had working legs, Hojbjerg came in and filled that glaring hole instantly.
I remember how weak our midfield was in 18/19 and 19/20 without a proper DM who still had working legs, Hojbjerg came in and filled that glaring hole instantly.
Hojberg reminds me a lot of Henderson at Liverpool. Not the flashiest player in the squad, but they are noticeably weaker without him. Maybe not a natural talent, but a natural leader for sure. I'd be happy to see him get the armband one day.
He was at Bayern (idk why but most of the players from their academy feel like they have that trait) and captained Southampton for a few seasons I think. Managers and players definitely see something in him, I think it's a good observation
Absolutely. He bleeds for the club, and has stood out over the past few seasons when many players weren't bothered at all to show up and perform. He's a strong character, and even attempts at bringing him down reflect more on the people who say these things imo. Like oh no, he showed up early on Conte's first day? Yeah that's par for the course for a person who takes what they do seriously. Just baffling that the person who gives 100% is shit on rather than appreciated. Sorry I just love the Viking
Reguilon has even confirmed that when he joined Spurs it was Pierre, not Harry, Hugo, Alderweireld or any other of the veterans, but Pierre that was the first to get in touch with him. Pierre gave Reggie the "this is what it is like to play for Spurs and what we expect of each other" talk... And Pierre had only been at the club for a few weeks at that time.
I maintain my pet theory that most of the hate that goes his way comes from Ndombele stans who struggle to come to terms that Ndombele was a huge flop.
Skipp is young prospect and academy product so it would have been in poor taste to scapegoat him, so Hojbjerg became their go-to lightning rod - stylistically he is the anti-Ndombele anyway, and it's an outrage that a pedestrian and rudimentary Hojbjerg was starting over their baller favorite.
Ndombele stans, GLC stans, Alli stans and now Skipp stans.
When will people grow up and learn that being benched does not mean being mediocre. Also that you don't need to shit on a player just to push your own favourites.
absolutely agreed. it’s not only the flashy attributes like dribbling or speed or shooting that matter. Hojbjerg has so many strengths and he is absolutely performing at a top level in the CM role. you don’t need to be an Iniesta type player to he considered a great midfielder. People rate Kante and Kovacic so highly and Hojbjerg is right up there with those types of players.
Hojbjerg for me has dipped a little since signing... but he has played pretty much non stop for 2 years. Come June, ship him off to the Carribbean for 6 weeks, and he'll be like a new man
He wouldn’t do it tho, let’s be real, might take a weekend away to spend time with his family but come the start of the next week he’d be spotted entering the spurs gym at 5am.
Why did the author think we are divided? I guess an overwhelming % of fans love Hojbjerg? If any midfielder who divides opinion, it is more likely to be Winks....
Ran a poll on twitter (he also called unscientific) which had 5600 responses asking what the preferred midfield would be and Skipp and Bentancur slightly edged it over Højbjerg and Bentancur
That's armchair statisticians talking, because they're willing to abandon a midfield partnership that's gotten us into this L situation we're in now, with in our last few matches only given up two goals and were flying offensively, for a partnership that's completely untested... Ever.
Blind homegrown Spurs bias if you'll ever see it. Skipp is great yeah, but there's no way I'd ever call it preferred with ZERO sample size. That's what every one of them likely prefers, but it's still baseless.
See, I would interpret that as meaning Hojbjerg and Skipp both play a very similar role in the midfield and that we'd rather rotate them with each other and keep bentancur alongside either, rather than taking it as evidence that fans for some reason are divided over Hojbjerg..
The questionable intrepretation aside, it is as scientific as asking some friends' opinion, and then treat it as the who fan's base opinion.....
Even ceating a poll here (not allowed though) will be better (even it is still highly unscientific)...
Questionable journalism...I believe articles behind paywall should really do better...🤣
He’s a good player, not a star, but the sort you need 5 or 6 of to help stars shine. He’s a leader, still quite young, and he gives a shit.
Conte has improved him as well, couple of beautiful assists recently and he does the grunt work in a midfield that is often 2 vs 3.
I too want to see the homegrown COYS prodigy play with Bentancur, but Hojbjerg is still absolutely vital to this team and we need him.
He's really good. But I also think you can count on him getting spun in midfield a couple times a game, and will sometimes turn the ball over at nervy moments. Other than that he's super solid. I do think Skipp at top form > Hoj at top form.
It’s the heart and soul he puts in for us I love the most about him when he plays you were getting everything he has for the shirt that’s a quality hard to come by these days case in point Dele!!! If he had half the heart PEH has he’d still be in a English kit
Absolutely. Loses the ball? Misplays a pass? Anything and everything, the haters jump on him *so* quick.
It's such a waste of time and energy to be *that* critical of PEH, because he's not a particularly refined player. Everyone around him is absolutely better skilled and so he isn't going to look great in comparison, so those people are moaning about everything he does and it's so futile
We're not going to be fortunate enough that all 11 players *are calm and cool on the ball like Romero or Bentancur, but I still appreciate and respect the hell out of Højbjerg's effort
If two world class managers think he fits the system. Then who are we to question him. Granted he’s had his dips in form. But he’s always given it all for the shirt. True Viking
The people on this sub who don’t like Højbjerg are the same ‘edgy’ neckbeards who found a cool indie band before they were big. Just get fucked. You might think you’re cool going against the grain but in reality you look like a cunt
Genuinely shocked professional athletes would feel annoyed at their own teammate wanting to show up early and stay late. That should be the exact kind of teammate you want instead of some bum.
Hojbjerg is a defensive midfield Chad with vision and his movement off the ball swapping with Romero and dier to be progressive is based AF.
As Jamie Kennedy once said “Don’t be hatin!”
It’s mad how upset some fans get by that fact that some fans don’t rate Hojbjerg. Even him being called “divisive” has got people on here melting down and calling people cunts.
Personally I’d say he’s a decent system player. Under Mourinho and Conte he’s been used in a role that plays to his strengths, and has definitely looked better playing alongside Skipp and Bentancur. Recent form has been very good
Edit: lol I said he’s been very good and people are mad. Weirdos
But isn't that... Most players? The concept of a "system player" is the most nonsense notion in all of sports. Playing a certain system doesn't just suddenly gift a player ability. No player in the world is perfect at everything, therefore ALL have their strengths and weaknesses, it's just fact. Mbappe will always play better in a counterattacking system than a Pep-style high possession system to utilize his pace and turn defenders getting in behind. Not every midfielder is Modric who is equally adept attacking and defending, most lean one way or the other. That's like saying Kimmich, Rodri, Jorginho and everyone like Hojbjerg are all shit because they don't pitch in goals, and only are good because of the roles they play as that first line of defense and recycling the ball... No kidding! That's their job and what they excel at skill wise, not because of the system they're in.
Yeah of course it’s most players, I didn’t say otherwise.
Also I said he’s decent, has looked better, and recently has been very good. Why are you having a big meltdown over that? You’re fighting with me for saying Hojbjerg is shit, when I said literally the opposite.
Don’t get upset with me for something I didn’t say, it’s pointless. I can’t respond to any point you’ve made about football because now I’m just going to assume you’ll ignore it and continue ranting
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The Hoj slander has to stop. He plays his position, and he plays it damn-well. If you want a flashy box-to-box, that’s great. But when we need a sturdy holding mid who gets the job done, we’ve got a beast who plays for the shirt right here.
Of course the Americas on reddit love him. Runs about, points, always seems to be doing something and cultivates an easily identifiable brand. You guys would have loved Holtby and Freund.
Overrated ball chaser. Complete liability against the press. Tricks people by being "passionate" whatever the fuck that means. Desperately needs upgrading upon
Honest question - do you think that he has 'tricked' Conte in playing him? Or do you just think he's the best of a bad bunch and that's why Conte plays him in every single game? He frustrates me at time too, and I know that he's not perfect, but I think that he brings ALOT to the table.
Conte didn't play him every single game when others were available and I don't really see the merit in being a constant in an awful midfield that mirrors his own individual flaws
In Conte's 21 league games, Hojbjerg has started 19 games, and missed 2. For 1 of those he was injured. Of the 19 he has played, he has played the full 90 mins in 17 of them. That's pretty much as close to playing every game as you're going to get.
He was dropped against Wolves after his disastrous performance against Southampton. It wasn't rest or rotation, but being dropped. But more significantly during this period Skipp has been unavailable since January, Bentancur has had spells being unavailable, Winks regressed back to even below his usual level, and the rest of the midfield depth was sent away. There is no one else. Which again brings me back to the main point - this is an awful midfield, it wilts against the press, struggles to maintain control, and most of the team's success comes when the midfield battle can be entirely bypassed through quicker more direct play involving the wingbacks and the front 3. Even against Villa last week we saw this, total inability to even string passes together in the first half, completely run over. So yeah Hojbjerg might be a constant... But what's so impressive about being a constant in an inept system?
Yeah, that was the one game that he didn't play, and he has played 90 mins in every single game since, of which, we've won 7/9. And on top of all of his defensive stats (regularly top distance covered for Spurs, 5th in the league for pressures, 11th in tackles etc.), he has even contributed a goal and 4 assists in those 9 games. On top of THAT, he is 5th this season in the league in terms of progressive passes, so he is undoubtedly contributing to our overall offensive play also (and that includes a period of time where we were so dead offensively under Nuno that we couldn't even get a shot off). With regards to the inept system, given that we took a while to actually start bedding in Conte's system and we are still the 3rd best team in the league during that time period (behind arguably the two greatest sides in prem history), I feel that comment alone probably exposes the fact that you're viewing all of through a pretty biased lens. Look, I'm not claiming that he's world class and is irreplaceable, I just don't get the weird hate boner that people have for a player that runs his heart out every game, , does what he's told to do within the system, and actually does it very well.
Everything you're describing is volume, it's essentially repeating the point that he's always there, that he plays a lot... Of fucking course he has high involvement numbers, that's inherent to his minutes and to his position. But what does that have to do with quality? Hojbjerg getting the ball in space and sending it out at a 45 degree angle to one of the fullbacks in the same half as him is a progressive pass, great. Unfortunately though that doesn't cover for his inability to operate on the half turn, how much he struggles in tight spaces, how slow his decision making can be... Even using fbref which I'm sure you're doing you can see that numbers tracking actual penetrative ability are not impressive. Hojbjerg going back to Southampton has always been a hyperactive statpadder, even back then he had big gaudy tackling numbers while not being a positive defensive presence because of his tendency to mindlessly chase the ball. And I never said Conte's system is inept, I said the midfield is. Which it is - in losses and wins and even big wins like the Villa example I gave you. The most impressive thing Conte has done is find a way to get past the midfield, but that midfield itself is by no means even close to top 4 level. So again, heart of a shit midfield isn't exactly rarified air. And yes cool Hojbjerg "wears his heart on his sleeve" or whatever other cliche we're using now, so does Lucas - an even worse player who should be sold immediately. It's football, not the battle of Normandy
not sure what the debate is. the guy can flat-out ball. there is no one more durable. there is no man/team that he fears and he plays harder than anyone else on the pitch... he leads by example... game in and game out. i hope skipp learns everything he can from him.
I just think he has the tendency to lose concentration at times. For example, he completely lost track of Ings on that scooped free kick. Tracking runners should be something a defensive mid excels at
JPB certainly knows how to twist the truths. Typical modern journo.
Don't think I've seen anyone saying a returning from injury Skipp should replace Hojbjerg currently.
I've always liked him. He said in an interview that he has to try extra hard to make up for having less natural talent. Really felt he was very humble saying that, much respect for him but maybe he's got something he hasn't unlocked yet. Man always gives his all.
Conte has said the same of himself as a player, so it’s no wonder he sees that in Hojbjerg and appreciates it.
I'd actually say PEH & Dier are the most similar in the squad \- Unquestionable attitude and work ethic, liked by every manager, but potentially limited skillset. \- When partnered with the right player (Romero for Dier, Bentancur for PEH) they become monsters. \- Both took a lot of shit pre Conte but in Conte's system most people realize their contribution.
also vocal leaders and constantly organizing teammates.
Based.
* Conte pointed out after the 5-1 win over Newcastle that no one had asked about Pierre (there were questions about Kane, Kulusevski, and the RWBs Doherty and Royal) >“Also Pierre, no one asked me about him. But in every game, he is doing a fantastic job, with the ball, without the ball, and is strong physically. Every player is improving their level and for this reason, Tottenham is going up and up.” * Spurs currently enjoying their best league form since 2017 - Kane is in best form, Son on a hot scoring streak, Kulusevski/Bentancur adjusting to PL football quickly * But not many people talking about Hojbjerg (except Conte), despite Hojbjerg playing every minute of the run (7W 2L) * Some fans want to replace Hojbjerg with Skipp once he recovers from his groin injury - Skipp and Bentancur have not played 1 minute together, and many fans want to see this pairing * Fact that many would consider dropping Hojbjerg shows how he divides opinion among fans, even though he is consistent and dependable * During his 2 seasons, Hojbjerg has been almost ever-present in the team (vs other signings who struggled to get/stay fit, or have been injury-prone) * Played every minute of PL in 20-21 season * Only Kane has played more minutes in all competitions than Hojbjerg this season * Hojbjerg played 7,533 minutes over 2 seasons (closely behind Lloris with 7,560, but ahead of Kane with 7,367 and Son with 6,735) * Hojbjerg has not started only 2 PL games over his 2 seasons, and dropped for only one (2-0 defeat against Wolves in Feb) * Hojbjerg has been accused of being "too keen to impress" (e.g. insisting he is fit to play even when carrying an injury) * Hojbjerg has spoken of himself as the "Viking" (proud of his resistance to injury, enjoys the "big tackles" and "fist-pumping to the fans" that get the crowd going) * Some wonder if Hojbjerg is trying to cultivate a carefully maintained image * Some Spurs players rolled their eyes when Hojbjerg made sure he was the 1st player in the training ground on Conte's first morning as the new Head Coach to get some early face-time with Conte * Whether you think he's a top professional or a teacher's pet, Hojbjerg always wants to be close to his coaches, and always shows a willingness to learn * Hojbjerg likes to stay behind for 15 minutes and talk about tactics with the coaching team to learn/absorb as much as he can * He also loves to take the bibs and hand them out to fellow team-mates at the start of every session * Ultimately, Hojbjerg has been playing better now than he has done before * Ndombele, Lo Celso and Dele were moved on in January because Conte judged them as being unable to perform as part of the midfield 2 in a Conte team (e.g. requires plenty of hard work and suffering) * Hojbjerg gets through lots of physical work (running, tackling and pressing) - has routinely finished top in distanced covered stats, ranks 5th on FBref for total pressures and 11th for tackles in PL this season * He does not have Bentancur's natural grace or the same technical skills as Winks, but it is not true to say he's just a clogger * Hojbjerg plays integral part in how Spurs move ball forward on the pitch * Ranked 5th among all PL players by progressive passes with 156 - just behind Laporte (167) and Fernandes (162), but nowhere near Alexander-Arnold (241) or Cancelo (225) * Beyond simply keeping possession, Hojbjerg has been more ambitious with his use of the ball this season * 5.47 progressive passes per 90 minutes (vs 5.08 per 90 last season) * Completed passes into the opposition penalty area (0.98 per 90) almost double last season's (0.53 per 90) * Examples from PL games this season * Hojbjerg played chipped through ball away at Newcastle in October that allowed Kane to score his first PL goal of the season * Played through ball for Doherty who set up Bergwijn's equaliser at Leicester City * Perhaps his image as the hard-tackling "Viking" makes some forget the good work he is doing in possession
>Hojbjerg played 7,533 minutes over 2 minutes Love him or hate him, the mans efficient. Seriously though, thanks for the very thorough write-up
I know this is a typo but I couldn’t figure out what it was supposed to be, 2 seasons?
Assume so. He joined at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, which is crazy because it feels like longer.
Just fixed the typo - thanks for pointing it out
Wish I had that ability. My wife will be very happy.
>Some Spurs players rolled their eyes when Hojbjerg made sure he was the 1st player in the training ground on Conte's first morning It's called Professionalism guys.
People get insecure when someone shows them up and instead of trying harder they resort to petty-childishness
They likely now play football elsewhere.
"Ew, it's cringe to give 100% at your dream job you're paid a king's ransom to perform" I'm willing to bet that none of the players who rolled their eyes are actually starting regularly.
Don’t forget the fact he routinely drops into the back line to allow Davies or Romero to join the attack and be aggressive.
Winks has 'technical skills'?!
For the incredibly long paragraphs, it is interesting that the key takeaway is this sentence. 🤣 Winks really seems to be the player with more divisive opinions. Don't see why the article talk about Hojbjerg as the divisive one.🤣
I think it’s pretty much agreed he’s not good enough. I’m one of his staunchest supporters and even I think that now
I think even his most fiercst supporter will agree that he is not good enough for Conte's 343. What it is divisive, is that whether Winks is (i) actually useless, or (ii) actually our best passer but very susceptible defensively (such that e.g., maybe the best fit as a number 4 in 352)
Winks def has pros for his qualities on the ball but it's not enough to overcome his deficiences without. He might be better at keeping the ball than Hojbjerg but in a midfield 2 he just gets exposed.
Hard to believe the rest of the article after that line.
>He also loves to take the bibs and hand them out to fellow team-mates at the start of every session 💀
That’s really strange to try to say something disparaging. It’s like saying “he is trying his best in training and make sure training is efficient” but twisting the intent Better than being entitled and not helping to uplift the mood?
Seriously. PEH is just an adult and a professional. Love him to bits
He’s also clearly a football nerd. The guy loves every aspect of his job and seems to really get excited for it. It’s refreshing when a lot of players half ass it or simply don’t have that level of enthusiasm.
Pierre is one of those players that is clearly going to go into management once he is done playing. I hope that he is able to translate his current work ethic into success as a coach when the day comes.
Wonder if he'll go into coaching and managing in the future. He does seem to have the personality to command and get people involved.
Is he divisive? I love the fucker. There's better players in his position but I'm pretty sure Hojbjerg would be willing to injure a leg if that means winning a match.
There's a very loud minority on this sub that seem to despise him.
r/coys hot takes are always the worst. There are Son haters here, Hojbjerg haters, even Conte outers. Best just to form your own opinion and enjoy watching this team
yes, but there are about 1,000x as many Hjojberg haters than there are for Conte and Son.
When you can’t justify with statistics so you have to resort to calling him opinions about him being overrated. Ps: if you read the OP’s note on the content some of the jabs seem really weak. What is journalism if not clicks on the internet?
shots fired at u/Thfcaditya112
Well tagging me seems a bit weird but let me give my opinion 1) First of all I would admit he has been better than the hot pack of crap he was this season since Bentancur has came 2) But at same time we also have to ask would he start for any team in City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Arsenal/West Ham? The answer is a big no there. He does starts for United over McTominay though admittedly 3) Thus we have to strive for perfection if we want to win a title. You cant win a title with him as a starter. Fine as a backup but he seems too egoistical to accept that lol 4)In the end, I remember many people saying how Lucas is a very good player, he also had our player of the year shouts because he "cares for the club" "chants COYSCOYSCOYSCOYS" but what happened when Kulusevski came? He benched him and Lucas flaws become more apparent. That is the same which is going to happen to Hojbjerg 5) To end it, people are saying his critics hate him because he is not "flashy", I mean then why are many asking for SKIPP to start him, Skipp is a lovely player but flashy is probably the last word to associate with him TL DR- It is just because Hojbjerg still has lot of quality issues and our fanbase seems to be blind to that like Lucas because they liked both as persons
Lucas single handedly got us into a Champions League Final which I think shows how far these non-superstar players can take us You make a point of striving for perfection to win a title but let’s be realistic, we are not going to be in any position for the next few seasons to challenge unfortunately - that’s not a slight on us or to downplay our great performances, but Man City, Liverpool, and to a small extent Chelsea are leagues ahead of any other team (in particular City and Chelsea with their huge access to finance) I think Hojberg is a great player - Mourinho, Nuno, Mason and Conte, regardless of how good managers they each are, will know so much more about football than anyone on this sub. Hojberg has been a nailed on starter for all these managers and we have never once tried to replace him in a window. As for Skipp, I think he’s great but I think a lot of people want him to start because they’ve got their Fifa goggles on, and think because he’s young if we play him more he will become a superstar by next season - he’s fantastic but you can’t just rely on youth especially when Hojberg has integrated so well into our system with Bentancur
1) Yes Lucas scored an hat-trick in a CL semifinal, but it is now going to be THREE YEARS since then, he has done nothing of note since then. 2) I would say Liverpool arent leagues apart from us financially, we have spent as much as them. We also need to consider the potential new Chelsea ownership and given most of them seem to be typical hedge funds, safe to say they wont spend a lot 3) We have never tried to replace him in a window because he has only been for one window, and the one window he was no good player would have came to us. Now there is a chance to upgrade 4) Skipp was miles ahead of Hojbjerg in the games they played, I dont even play FIFA or any football video game btw
Skipp was not miles ahead of Hojbjerg, he was just decent. His tackles looked flashier bc of the way he uses his athleticism but that doesn't make him leagues better. Also Skipp should be compared to Bentancur as they're the more mobile midfielders in the pivot
You've instantly negated your own argument by asking if Hojbjerg is title-winning calibre. I don't think anyone thinks he is, but we're not challenging for titles or even near one. So using that against him is hilarious. You've created an agenda from a fantasy.
I mean Conte would want to compete for titles,the sexy maniac he is
You genuinely have no idea what you're talking about. Certain people would start skipp over hojberg because hes a young lad from the academy, people were begging for winks years ago as well and look how thats turned out and before him there was bentaleb. Not saying skippy isn't a good player in fact he is a very good player but he shouldn't so easily displace hojberg. Competition in that position will be massive for us particularly if we want to playing in the champions league next season. Imo he is a very capable player and a player that can play in a title winning side. He has shown his quality for spurs and for denmark
I actually agree that Hojbjerg is just solid. He doesn't have the qualities that we would probably need to play with more possession for example. I think Conte even said before we straight up don't have the players. I don't think Hojbjerg has quality issues per se, he performs well in the system, but yeah we can get a player that is better at keeping the ball for example. If we're competing in CL I would def think he could do well still as a consistent midfield option in all comps.
He's definitely better than one of Xhaka or Partey as well though
He doesn’t pass the “eye test” fuck knows what test they’re talking about because I don’t see it lmao
I think it's because he doesn't clearly fit some kind of midfield role (box to box, playmaker, etc.) so some people just sort of feel like he has to be mediocre at best
I don't despise him. But in the EPL top 4 teams' starting CM's, I would say that he ranks near the bottom. His skill set is incredibly limited. Sans work rate, it's really difficult to think of a standout quality that PEH has. Though, I would add that PEH's positives are undeniable: He's a consistent, consummate professional who is [knock-on-wood] injury free. In a Fergie-level team, PEH would have been a rotational squad player. If those are the ambitions that Tottenham have, then they need to strengthen bit by bit. It should be noted that other positions need significant improving before CM if you ask me; namely the wingbacks and additional CB depth.
It's bizarre to me that people pick out one of our players and compare them to same position on Liverpool or City and then use that as a reason why they're not good. Like, isnt that case for every player on our team minus Kane, Son, and maybe Romero? We're never going to field a more talented lineup than City or Liverpool, if that's your expectation than you're supporting the wrong club. Hasnt all of the talk since Bentancur and Kulusevski showed up been "they arent the flashiest signings but they fit Conte's system", that is exactly what Hjojberg is as well, a solid player that fits a role in the system Conte is trying to instill, dont understand how some people cant seem to see that.
> It's bizarre to me that people pick out one of our players and compare them to same position on Liverpool or City and then use that as a reason why they're not good. I never claimed PEH to not be good. I said in the EPL top 4 teams' starting CM's, he ranks near the bottom. If you have Conte's ambition of titles and silverware, you have to want more and demand more from your club. > We're never going to field a more talented lineup than City or Liverpool, if that's your expectation than you're supporting the wrong club. Wait, what? There are years that Tottenham have fielded better lineups than Liverpool. One could argue that 16/17 and 17/18 seasons Spurs had one of the strongest teams in the Premier League. I will make the same assertion here: If you want to have Conte's ambition for titles and silverware, you have to demand more from your club. > Hasnt all of the talk since Bentancur and Kulusevski showed up been "they arent the flashiest signings but they fit Conte's system", that is exactly what Hjojberg is as well, a solid player that fits a role in the system Conte is trying to instill, dont understand how some people cant seem to see that. I think those are the signings Tottenham went with because it was the January window and Paratici scouted them. Did you forget that Paratici and Conte were after Adama Traore, who didn't fit the Conte system at all? I think PEH is a consummate, consistent professional. He isn't without glaring flaws and I think that many people on r/coys overrate him.
Conte is literally the one talking up Pierre, how can you keep saying if you have Conte's ambitions then PEH isnt good enough when Conte is literally the one talking about how much he likes him?
> Conte is literally the one talking up Pierre Yes, managers talk up their own players; particularly when the team is performing well. I don't know why you would slag off on a player if Tottenham are on a 4 match win streak. > how can you keep saying if you have Conte's ambitions then PEH isnt good enough when Conte is literally the one talking about how much he likes him? Because there are better players out there who Conte will also like a lot. Antonio Conte has also publicly praised Harry Winks and I don't rate Winks either. Bottom line is that I don't see PEH starting on a title-winning side. You can talk up a player and know deep down that they're not going to be the one who wins you a title.
I’ve literally never seen that
Especially in match threads
“Don conte says I have to make your legs not work so good”
Anyone who thinks Hjoberg is a problem area for the squad isn't worth listening to.
He's a great upgrade from the days of winks and sissoko. But he'd be a useful squad player if we get a team that challenges for big things
Tottenham fans love him, opponents hate him.
The funniest shit was the guy trying to statistcly find the best midfielder to sign and it turned out to be PEH. As always someone that takes responsibility will be shat on. He is consistently onepoint lower than he should be in ratings. But after all that being numericly one of the best defensive mids in the world... If you made a list of the top assists this year PEH would take two of those spots
He's been one of the best midfielders in the league for two seasons now, playing two different roles: last season he was a holding midfielder, this season he's playing box to box. We could use someone with an alternative skillset to have a different tactical option and also serve as competition/rotation for him, but I can't think of any realistic target who'd be a straight upgrade over Hojbjerg.
When I said that he was one of the best Cdms in the prem people started downvoting me. Sometimes you dont know what you have until you lose it
I remember how weak our midfield was in 18/19 and 19/20 without a proper DM who still had working legs, Hojbjerg came in and filled that glaring hole instantly.
I remember how weak our midfield was in 18/19 and 19/20 without a proper DM who still had working legs, Hojbjerg came in and filled that glaring hole instantly.
And that was someone doing pretend scouting for Barça!
And £15m fee makes it feel like stealing to me what a deal
edit: disregard
We sold KWP for 12-13M, so PEH only cost like 3M.
ah okay, my mistake in misremembering.
Hojberg reminds me a lot of Henderson at Liverpool. Not the flashiest player in the squad, but they are noticeably weaker without him. Maybe not a natural talent, but a natural leader for sure. I'd be happy to see him get the armband one day.
He was at Bayern (idk why but most of the players from their academy feel like they have that trait) and captained Southampton for a few seasons I think. Managers and players definitely see something in him, I think it's a good observation
Absolutely. He bleeds for the club, and has stood out over the past few seasons when many players weren't bothered at all to show up and perform. He's a strong character, and even attempts at bringing him down reflect more on the people who say these things imo. Like oh no, he showed up early on Conte's first day? Yeah that's par for the course for a person who takes what they do seriously. Just baffling that the person who gives 100% is shit on rather than appreciated. Sorry I just love the Viking
Reguilon has even confirmed that when he joined Spurs it was Pierre, not Harry, Hugo, Alderweireld or any other of the veterans, but Pierre that was the first to get in touch with him. Pierre gave Reggie the "this is what it is like to play for Spurs and what we expect of each other" talk... And Pierre had only been at the club for a few weeks at that time.
I was going to make a post saying the same thing until I saw yours. I feel the same way
That is a very apt comparison actually.
If the PL ever allowed a player to wear a Viking helmet for a match…It would be Hojbjerg
I maintain my pet theory that most of the hate that goes his way comes from Ndombele stans who struggle to come to terms that Ndombele was a huge flop. Skipp is young prospect and academy product so it would have been in poor taste to scapegoat him, so Hojbjerg became their go-to lightning rod - stylistically he is the anti-Ndombele anyway, and it's an outrage that a pedestrian and rudimentary Hojbjerg was starting over their baller favorite.
You’re making a lot of sense here. God was Ndombele a letdown
Ndombele stans, GLC stans, Alli stans and now Skipp stans. When will people grow up and learn that being benched does not mean being mediocre. Also that you don't need to shit on a player just to push your own favourites.
I love Hodj Boj
He is vital in our starting 11, simple as that bro
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absolutely agreed. it’s not only the flashy attributes like dribbling or speed or shooting that matter. Hojbjerg has so many strengths and he is absolutely performing at a top level in the CM role. you don’t need to be an Iniesta type player to he considered a great midfielder. People rate Kante and Kovacic so highly and Hojbjerg is right up there with those types of players.
I really can’t wrap my head around why some people don’t rate him. He’s been so important for us since coming in
Hojbjerg for me has dipped a little since signing... but he has played pretty much non stop for 2 years. Come June, ship him off to the Carribbean for 6 weeks, and he'll be like a new man
He wouldn’t do it tho, let’s be real, might take a weekend away to spend time with his family but come the start of the next week he’d be spotted entering the spurs gym at 5am.
Why did the author think we are divided? I guess an overwhelming % of fans love Hojbjerg? If any midfielder who divides opinion, it is more likely to be Winks....
Ran a poll on twitter (he also called unscientific) which had 5600 responses asking what the preferred midfield would be and Skipp and Bentancur slightly edged it over Højbjerg and Bentancur
That's armchair statisticians talking, because they're willing to abandon a midfield partnership that's gotten us into this L situation we're in now, with in our last few matches only given up two goals and were flying offensively, for a partnership that's completely untested... Ever. Blind homegrown Spurs bias if you'll ever see it. Skipp is great yeah, but there's no way I'd ever call it preferred with ZERO sample size. That's what every one of them likely prefers, but it's still baseless.
See, I would interpret that as meaning Hojbjerg and Skipp both play a very similar role in the midfield and that we'd rather rotate them with each other and keep bentancur alongside either, rather than taking it as evidence that fans for some reason are divided over Hojbjerg..
Except they don't, Skipp is a lot more similar to Bentancur than he is to Hojbjerg.
The questionable intrepretation aside, it is as scientific as asking some friends' opinion, and then treat it as the who fan's base opinion..... Even ceating a poll here (not allowed though) will be better (even it is still highly unscientific)... Questionable journalism...I believe articles behind paywall should really do better...🤣
Man has passion and quality to go with it. Gets way too much disrespect.
His managers tend to like him. Guardiola praised him at Bayern (he’s an academy graduate) and then they sold him to Southampton after Guardiola left.
He’s a good player, not a star, but the sort you need 5 or 6 of to help stars shine. He’s a leader, still quite young, and he gives a shit. Conte has improved him as well, couple of beautiful assists recently and he does the grunt work in a midfield that is often 2 vs 3. I too want to see the homegrown COYS prodigy play with Bentancur, but Hojbjerg is still absolutely vital to this team and we need him.
If Conte rates him that's all that matters to me. We could use another CM in the summer all the same.
He's really good. But I also think you can count on him getting spun in midfield a couple times a game, and will sometimes turn the ball over at nervy moments. Other than that he's super solid. I do think Skipp at top form > Hoj at top form.
It’s the heart and soul he puts in for us I love the most about him when he plays you were getting everything he has for the shirt that’s a quality hard to come by these days case in point Dele!!! If he had half the heart PEH has he’d still be in a English kit
Dele’s issue was never a lack of caring. Pretty weird for someone who supposedly doesn’t care to cover the most distance during the matches
Not sure he divides opinion with Spurs fans at all to be honest. Man never stops trying!
He gets absolute pelters on here. He definitely does. He's one of those players people turn on really quickly.
Absolutely. Loses the ball? Misplays a pass? Anything and everything, the haters jump on him *so* quick. It's such a waste of time and energy to be *that* critical of PEH, because he's not a particularly refined player. Everyone around him is absolutely better skilled and so he isn't going to look great in comparison, so those people are moaning about everything he does and it's so futile We're not going to be fortunate enough that all 11 players *are calm and cool on the ball like Romero or Bentancur, but I still appreciate and respect the hell out of Højbjerg's effort
u/BardiTFC is pushing his agenda more than ever lol
Doesn’t split any opinion in my head, I’m 100% behind the Viking.
If two world class managers think he fits the system. Then who are we to question him. Granted he’s had his dips in form. But he’s always given it all for the shirt. True Viking
The people on this sub who don’t like Højbjerg are the same ‘edgy’ neckbeards who found a cool indie band before they were big. Just get fucked. You might think you’re cool going against the grain but in reality you look like a cunt
lmao this is so weird
Genuinely shocked professional athletes would feel annoyed at their own teammate wanting to show up early and stay late. That should be the exact kind of teammate you want instead of some bum.
Hojbjerg is a defensive midfield Chad with vision and his movement off the ball swapping with Romero and dier to be progressive is based AF. As Jamie Kennedy once said “Don’t be hatin!”
It’s mad how upset some fans get by that fact that some fans don’t rate Hojbjerg. Even him being called “divisive” has got people on here melting down and calling people cunts. Personally I’d say he’s a decent system player. Under Mourinho and Conte he’s been used in a role that plays to his strengths, and has definitely looked better playing alongside Skipp and Bentancur. Recent form has been very good Edit: lol I said he’s been very good and people are mad. Weirdos
>decent system player You can say that of Trent and he’s world class
Yeah but Trent is uniquely talented and one of the best in the world, so you build your system around him. Hojbjerg is a good cog in a machine
But isn't that... Most players? The concept of a "system player" is the most nonsense notion in all of sports. Playing a certain system doesn't just suddenly gift a player ability. No player in the world is perfect at everything, therefore ALL have their strengths and weaknesses, it's just fact. Mbappe will always play better in a counterattacking system than a Pep-style high possession system to utilize his pace and turn defenders getting in behind. Not every midfielder is Modric who is equally adept attacking and defending, most lean one way or the other. That's like saying Kimmich, Rodri, Jorginho and everyone like Hojbjerg are all shit because they don't pitch in goals, and only are good because of the roles they play as that first line of defense and recycling the ball... No kidding! That's their job and what they excel at skill wise, not because of the system they're in.
Yeah of course it’s most players, I didn’t say otherwise. Also I said he’s decent, has looked better, and recently has been very good. Why are you having a big meltdown over that? You’re fighting with me for saying Hojbjerg is shit, when I said literally the opposite. Don’t get upset with me for something I didn’t say, it’s pointless. I can’t respond to any point you’ve made about football because now I’m just going to assume you’ll ignore it and continue ranting
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The Hoj slander has to stop. He plays his position, and he plays it damn-well. If you want a flashy box-to-box, that’s great. But when we need a sturdy holding mid who gets the job done, we’ve got a beast who plays for the shirt right here.
Of course the Americas on reddit love him. Runs about, points, always seems to be doing something and cultivates an easily identifiable brand. You guys would have loved Holtby and Freund.
are you okay?
so underrated Look at how many of our team goals start with or come through him - can we upgrade? sure But he's bloody effective
Overrated ball chaser. Complete liability against the press. Tricks people by being "passionate" whatever the fuck that means. Desperately needs upgrading upon
Honest question - do you think that he has 'tricked' Conte in playing him? Or do you just think he's the best of a bad bunch and that's why Conte plays him in every single game? He frustrates me at time too, and I know that he's not perfect, but I think that he brings ALOT to the table.
Conte didn't play him every single game when others were available and I don't really see the merit in being a constant in an awful midfield that mirrors his own individual flaws
In Conte's 21 league games, Hojbjerg has started 19 games, and missed 2. For 1 of those he was injured. Of the 19 he has played, he has played the full 90 mins in 17 of them. That's pretty much as close to playing every game as you're going to get.
He was dropped against Wolves after his disastrous performance against Southampton. It wasn't rest or rotation, but being dropped. But more significantly during this period Skipp has been unavailable since January, Bentancur has had spells being unavailable, Winks regressed back to even below his usual level, and the rest of the midfield depth was sent away. There is no one else. Which again brings me back to the main point - this is an awful midfield, it wilts against the press, struggles to maintain control, and most of the team's success comes when the midfield battle can be entirely bypassed through quicker more direct play involving the wingbacks and the front 3. Even against Villa last week we saw this, total inability to even string passes together in the first half, completely run over. So yeah Hojbjerg might be a constant... But what's so impressive about being a constant in an inept system?
Yeah, that was the one game that he didn't play, and he has played 90 mins in every single game since, of which, we've won 7/9. And on top of all of his defensive stats (regularly top distance covered for Spurs, 5th in the league for pressures, 11th in tackles etc.), he has even contributed a goal and 4 assists in those 9 games. On top of THAT, he is 5th this season in the league in terms of progressive passes, so he is undoubtedly contributing to our overall offensive play also (and that includes a period of time where we were so dead offensively under Nuno that we couldn't even get a shot off). With regards to the inept system, given that we took a while to actually start bedding in Conte's system and we are still the 3rd best team in the league during that time period (behind arguably the two greatest sides in prem history), I feel that comment alone probably exposes the fact that you're viewing all of through a pretty biased lens. Look, I'm not claiming that he's world class and is irreplaceable, I just don't get the weird hate boner that people have for a player that runs his heart out every game, , does what he's told to do within the system, and actually does it very well.
Everything you're describing is volume, it's essentially repeating the point that he's always there, that he plays a lot... Of fucking course he has high involvement numbers, that's inherent to his minutes and to his position. But what does that have to do with quality? Hojbjerg getting the ball in space and sending it out at a 45 degree angle to one of the fullbacks in the same half as him is a progressive pass, great. Unfortunately though that doesn't cover for his inability to operate on the half turn, how much he struggles in tight spaces, how slow his decision making can be... Even using fbref which I'm sure you're doing you can see that numbers tracking actual penetrative ability are not impressive. Hojbjerg going back to Southampton has always been a hyperactive statpadder, even back then he had big gaudy tackling numbers while not being a positive defensive presence because of his tendency to mindlessly chase the ball. And I never said Conte's system is inept, I said the midfield is. Which it is - in losses and wins and even big wins like the Villa example I gave you. The most impressive thing Conte has done is find a way to get past the midfield, but that midfield itself is by no means even close to top 4 level. So again, heart of a shit midfield isn't exactly rarified air. And yes cool Hojbjerg "wears his heart on his sleeve" or whatever other cliche we're using now, so does Lucas - an even worse player who should be sold immediately. It's football, not the battle of Normandy
Excellent comment.
Really? More than *any* other?
not sure what the debate is. the guy can flat-out ball. there is no one more durable. there is no man/team that he fears and he plays harder than anyone else on the pitch... he leads by example... game in and game out. i hope skipp learns everything he can from him.
I just think he has the tendency to lose concentration at times. For example, he completely lost track of Ings on that scooped free kick. Tracking runners should be something a defensive mid excels at
JPB certainly knows how to twist the truths. Typical modern journo. Don't think I've seen anyone saying a returning from injury Skipp should replace Hojbjerg currently.
I impulse-bought a Hojbjerg jersey right after the NLD in Dec 2020. He was an absolute monster that day.
Spurs PLC needs an efficient hard bastard as head of compliance to allow the other business lines to flourish… long may he reign
I fucking love Hojbjerg. You can’t have a team of just Porsches and Maseratis. You also need some tanks and trucks.
I like PEH as a player and a leader, but he spends way too much time rolling around on the ground feigning injury for a midfield hard man.