Player Watch: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

[djhotspur]

Selling PEH does concern me, I dont see depth in our midfield. Numbers yes but not the right quality. If Bissouma gets injured who plays the 6? I know its not ideal for PEH but he would be better at breaking up the opposition than any of our other midfielders in my opinion and for c£20m there is no quality coming in to replace him at that price.

Peh isn’t a 6 though

 

[Neon_Knight_]

There's a difference between clubs in the Premier League as I said previously. So typically clubs are asking more from EPL teams for their players. It obscures the market a lot. Also these sites for market value are worthless. Player value is determined by the club and their situation. Hojbjerg has 2 years left, isn't in our plans and we badly need to shift players. We're over the non homegrown limit and if we cut our losses on Hojbjerg and it helps free a space for a player we actually need I think it makes sense. Like we have Lo Celso back now and with Maddison signed we have 7 players to cover the midfield 3 in a non European season. If getting Hojbjerg off the books an help us bring another CB in its worth it imo. Hopefully they do come back with a better offer but I would take an improved one, ideally around 20m pounds at least. I did say I probably take their initial offer but obviously it's easier to say now with hindsight. I just think we need to be a bit more aggressive with sales.

Hojbjerg was a key player and one of our most consistent performers during the past few seasons, and one of the first names on the team sheet under Mourinho and Conte - two highly respected and successful managers. I honestly think he would have started ahead of Skipp last weekend, if it wasn't for his departure seeming likely.

Maddison and Lo Celso play a more advanced role than Hojbjerg. Our new system requires the two of them (Maddison as starter & Lo Celso as back-up) in addition to the number of CMs that we utilised last season. It's Ndombele and several CBs that we should be desperate to move on - not Hojbjerg. If a decent offer comes in then it's fair enough that we'd let him go, but I don't see the logic in letting him go for a massively cut price....we'd still be left with Ndombele and far too many subpar CBs on the books.

Even factoring in the "PL tax", there is no way that to Atletico he is worth only 1/3 of what they valued Cunha at (a goal-shy CF who managed only 2 goals in 37 games last season). They're currently at a net profit of circa £50m for this window, so should be able to afford to pay market rate for Hojbjerg, rather than putting in a lowball offer that is more than slightly cheeky.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Peh isn’t a 6 though

He's not, but he's a better "6" than the other options we currently have (bar Bissouma). If we need to move on an "8", surely the only one who can do a half-decent job as a "6" shouldn't be the one we prioritise selling...unless we're going to replace him with an "8" (I anticipate that's not a high enough priority signing for this window though). Bissouma isn't going to be available for 90 minutes of every match this season.

 

[djhotspur]

He's not, but he's a better "6" than the other options we currently have (bar Bissouma). If we need to move on an "8", surely the only one who can do a half-decent job as a "6" shouldn't be the one we prioritise selling...unless we're going to replace him with an "8" (I anticipate that's not a high enough priority signing for this window though). Bissouma isn't going to be available for 90 minutes of every match this season.

But I’m not sure he can do a half decent job as a loan 6? In this system the 6 has to constantly demand the ball.. be press resistant, a good dribbler and very mobile. He’s none of those things. He could probably be a second 6 in a double pivot but that’s very different to a loan 6

 

[amathews3416]

Selling PEH does concern me, I dont see depth in our midfield. Numbers yes but not the right quality. If Bissouma gets injured who plays the 6? I know its not ideal for PEH but he would be better at breaking up the opposition than any of our other midfielders in my opinion and for c£20m there is no quality coming in to replace him at that price.

Ange mentioned midfield as an area for reinforcement today. Thought that was a bit surprising as most feel we are solid there even with PEH leaving. Ange seems to be thinking like you.

 

[KingNick]

Needing reinforcements in MF is not inconsistent with getting rid of PEH. It just emphasises that although we have numbers, we don't have capable quality.

I'd be disappointed if Ange only saw Gio as a Maddison back-up. But if he does then (Bentancur aside), we need a Biss back-up and someone else to fill/understudy the "middle"/Skipp role.

 

[KILLA_SIN]

Needing reinforcements in MF is not inconsistent with getting rid of PEH. It just emphasises that although we have numbers, we don't have capable quality.

I'd be disappointed if Ange only saw Gio as a Maddison back-up. But if he does then (Bentancur aside), we need a Biss back-up and someone else to fill/understudy the "middle"/Skipp role.

I can't see a CM coming even if PEh is sold

 

[mil1lion]

Hojbjerg was a key player and one of our most consistent performers during the past few seasons, and one of the first names on the team sheet under Mourinho and Conte - two highly respected and successful managers. I honestly think he would have started ahead of Skipp last weekend, if it wasn't for his departure seeming likely.

Maddison and Lo Celso play a more advanced role than Hojbjerg. Our new system requires the two of them (Maddison as starter & Lo Celso as back-up) in addition to the number of CMs that we utilised last season. It's Ndombele and several CBs that we should be desperate to move on - not Hojbjerg. If a decent offer comes in then it's fair enough that we'd let him go, but I don't see the logic in letting him go for a massively cut price....we'd still be left with Ndombele and far too many subpar CBs on the books.

Even factoring in the "PL tax", there is no way that to Atletico he is worth only 1/3 of what they valued Cunha at (a goal-shy CF who managed only 2 goals in 37 games last season). They're currently at a net profit of circa £50m for this window, so should be able to afford to pay market rate for Hojbjerg, rather than putting in a lowball offer that is more than slightly cheeky.

Not being funny but it's completely irrelevant how important he was under Jose and Conte. It's a totally different brand of football. I also felt he looked poor last season. People said its because he played too often yet still didn't improve when we went to 1 game per week. I really think he's in decline now due to his style. We've had a number of these players with a limited shelf life over the years like Sandro, Palacios and Wanyama. This high intensity play in midfield takes its toll. We do need to sell others too but that's in addition to ones we gwt offers for and not in the managers plans. We need about 3 less non homegrown players just to hit our limit and then 1 more before we could bring another experienced 1st team player in. I would say we can't be too picky or hold out for too much with 2 weeks left.

 

[Albertbarich]

There's absolutely no guarantee of that after such a bad injury.

Of course but we have to give him a chance. He was our second best player pre injury

 

[StanSpur]

I don't see anyone who can replace Biss right now even with Holjberg here as Bissouma Is so much better on the ball and taking it in to protect it.

In terms of numbers/quality I think we have to remember that we have a certain Mr Bentancour back whoif last season is anything to go by will be our best midfielder.

I don't think PEH is a natural fit for either the 6 or an 8 role here.

I agree but i think PEH out for 20m is not going to be replaced by anyone better than PEH. I agree Biss Bentancur and Maddison is our best 3 i just dont think there is anyone you can rely on behind that. PEH isnt suitable, neith is skipp, Sarr is young and will maybe get there in a year or two (devine may be here too), lo celso has had a number of short positive spells amongst a lot of dross and then there is ndomblele. So my point was that we need squad upgrades in this area and there would need to be a lot more funds to add to any PEH sale

 

[only1waddle]

Of course but we have to give him a chance. He was our second best player pre injury

Obviously, I've not said we shouldn't give him a chance, I'm cautioning against the narrative that he's guaranteed to be the same player, I hope he is.

 

[mil1lion]

I agree but i think PEH out for 20m is not going to be replaced by anyone better than PEH. I agree Biss Bentancur and Maddison is our best 3 i just dont think there is anyone you can rely on behind that. PEH isnt suitable, neith is skipp, Sarr is young and will maybe get there in a year or two (devine may be here too), lo celso has had a number of short positive spells amongst a lot of dross and then there is ndomblele. So my point was that we need squad upgrades in this area and there would need to be a lot more funds to add to any PEH sale

Like the funds we got for Kane?

 

[yido_number1]

I agree but i think PEH out for 20m is not going to be replaced by anyone better than PEH. I agree Biss Bentancur and Maddison is our best 3 i just dont think there is anyone you can rely on behind that. PEH isnt suitable, neith is skipp, Sarr is young and will maybe get there in a year or two (devine may be here too), lo celso has had a number of short positive spells amongst a lot of dross and then there is ndomblele. So my point was that we need squad upgrades in this area and there would need to be a lot more funds to add to any PEH sale

Lo celso has been good pre season and bentancur will be back. Hojbjerg is fine to go and as you saw against Brentford we're much more fluid and mobile with out him.

Hopefully this gets done soon to clear space so levy has no more excuses for not spending that kane fee.

 

[Chris Flynn]

Selling PEH does concern me, I dont see depth in our midfield. Numbers yes but not the right quality. If Bissouma gets injured who plays the 6?

Skipp. Next question

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Skipp. Next question

You can't skip the question. Answer it!

 

[DannyNZ]

Selling PEH does concern me, I dont see depth in our midfield. Numbers yes but not the right quality. If Bissouma gets injured who plays the 6? I know its not ideal for PEH but he would be better at breaking up the opposition than any of our other midfielders in my opinion and for c£20m there is no quality coming in to replace him at that price.

Yep, I worry that Skipp just isn’t good enough and that performance against Brentford was poor. If Sarr doesn’t scrub up and with Anges seeming reluctance to pair GLC with Maddison then we might regret offloading PEH. I’m not a big PEH, fan but think he is well suited and capable to perform that number 8 role. PEH is better than the McTominays and Ward Prowses and it is a bit surprising we can’t get better value for him.

 

[Ben1]

Yep, I worry that Skipp just isn’t good enough and that performance against Brentford was poor. If Sarr doesn’t scrub up and with Anges seeming reluctance to pair GLC with Maddison then we might regret offloading PEH. I’m not a big PEH, fan but think he is well suited and capable to perform that number 8 role. PEH is better than the McTominays and Ward Prowses and it is a bit surprising we can’t get better value for him.

Give Skipp and Sarr a little time at least, brought in a coach for the purpose of player development, I wouldn’t write them off after one of the hardest away days in the league.
Although most indicating PEH would be replaced, even if the names have gone dead.

 

[DannyNZ]

Wasn’t

Give Skipp and Sarr a little time at least, brought in a coach for the purpose of player development, I wouldn’t write them off after one of the hardest away days in the league.
Although most indicating PEH would be replaced, even if the names have gone dead.

Wasn't writing them off just expressing my view that Skipp and Sarr are a risk and that risk is increased exponentially if we sell PEH and don’t replace him.

 

[smallsnc]

Skipp is better as a 6 than Hojbjerg imo. Although when Bentancur returns he is better than both there. 6 players (Bissouma, Bentancur, Maddison, Lo Celso, Sarr, Skipp) is plenty to cover midfield.

While Bentancur may be able to play, I do not expect he will be close to his best until next year. It is the cycle of recovering from ACL injuries. Able to play after 9 months but with limited agility, explosion and durability. 18 months from original surgery give or take a couple of months is when players get completely backt to pre-surgery form.

 

[cliff jones]

PEH has a presence that neither of Skipp or Sarr does. A far superior player, as things stand