How Hojbjerg rose to the challenge to star for Conte's Tottenham
To the surprise of no one, Harry Kane is Tottenham's top scorer after 10 Premier League games. Somewhat less predictably, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is joint-second on the list. The Denmark international has found the net three times so far – more than his tally in the entirety of last season. Quite apart from his new-found scoring prowess, Hojbjerg has been one of Spurs’ standout performers this term.
It is fair to say not everyone saw this coming. Hojbjerg missed only two league games across his first two seasons at Spurs, but the summer signing of Yves Bissouma suggested the former Brighton man would partner Rodrigo Bentancur in the engine room. Instead, Hojbjerg has been virtually ever-present - he was taken off in the 75th minute in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal - and remains one of the first names on Conte’s teamsheet.
It is not hard to see why the Dane is valued so highly by his manager. Hojbjerg is not the flashiest midfielder. He does not pass the ball like Christian Eriksen or slalom past opponents à la Mousa Dembele. But in this Tottenham team, he brings plenty to the table.
Hojbjerg has made 16 tackles so far this season, which is more than any other big-six midfielder, bar Fabinho (17). Only five players in the Dane’s position have made more interceptions than his 13. Hojbjerg is Tottenham’s chief ball-winner in the centre of the park, a player who gets through plenty of dirty work for the benefit of the team.
Playing as a central midfielder in a side managed by Conte is not easy. For starters, it usually means playing in a two rather than a three, although we will probably see Spurs line up in a 3-5-2 formation against Manchester United on Wednesday after Bissouma’s successful cameo in the 2-0 victory over Everton at the weekend, coupled with Richarlison's second half injury and Dejan Kulusevski's lack of fitness.
Conte demands intensity and hard work from all 10 outfield players, but it is usually the midfielders and the wing-backs who get through the most running. Hojbjerg is the epitome of this all-action style, harrying and hassling his midfield opponents for 90 minutes.
There is evidence, too, that Hojbjerg is a better passer than his critics give him credit for. It is true that he is not the most stylish of distributors, but effectiveness always trumps elegance. With an average of 63.8 passes per game this season, the 27-year-old sits behind only Rodri (93.7) in the midfield rankings. Of those who have played at least three matches, Manchester City’s maestro (80.4) is also the only player with more accurate short passes to his name than Hojbjerg (52.8).
The former Southampton man keeps the play ticking over and his pass selection is as impressive as his execution. He knows his limitations and rarely attempts Hollywood balls that risk ceding possession. Yet nor does he simply recycle the ball sideways: Hojbjerg regularly penetrates opponents’ defensive structures with progressive passes upfield. He has grown more confident in this area and now regularly sprays diagonals out to one of Tottenham’s wing-backs, switching the play as Conte demands.
Tottenham’s No.5 is a more regular presence in the final third this season. Jordan Pickford might have saved his shot had it not taken a deflection, but it was a piece of good fortune that Hojbjerg’s all-round performance deserved. And while he is not necessarily in the team for his goalscoring, it is definitely a welcome bonus.
Third in the table with seven wins from their first 10 matches, Conte will be pleased with his team’s start to the season. Yet there is room for improvement as far as performances are concerned. Spurs have at times made hard work of breaking down deep defences. And at 14.5 per match, Conte will feel Tottenham are giving up too many shots: only five teams in the division are allowing more attempts at their goal.
Wednesday’s trip to Old Trafford feels like a big game for Spurs, who were unconvincing in their two previous meetings with fellow big-six sides. Tottenham were outplayed by Chelsea for long periods of their match at Stamford Bridge and required a stoppage-time equaliser to avoid defeat. At the start of this month, they went down 3-1 to Arsenal in the north London derby.
Hojbjerg will have an important role to play against Manchester United. He will be tasked with diminishing Christian Eriksen’s influence against his former club, provided his compatriot is fit to start. Based on his performances so far this season, expect Hojbjerg to rise to the challenge.
