Player Watch: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

[pedrodelawasp]

Interesting figures that don’t quite tally with accusations against him being banded about.

I am not arguing that he is the best around in his role or that we couldn’t possibly upgrade. What I am saying is that much of the criticism is hugely exaggerated, fails to recognise the impact the poor performances in other positions has upon any player, particularly one tasked to do so much with very little respite and simply doesn’t hold up to proper scrutiny.

Nice little video too that definitely doesn’t show him taking the ball in tight spaces, turning to progress the ball, making forward passes or any of the other things he apparently rarely or never does.

 

[mmidgers]

Does the manager want him?

 

[TheWook]

Does the manager want him?

I guess we will find out soon enough

 

[SandroClegane]

View attachment 128325 Interesting figures that don’t quite tally with accusations against him being banded about.

I am not arguing that he is the best around in his role or that we couldn’t possibly upgrade. What I am saying is that much of the criticism is hugely exaggerated, fails to recognise the impact the poor performances in other positions has upon any player, particularly one tasked to do so much with very little respite and simply doesn’t hold up to proper scrutiny.

Nice little video too that definitely doesn’t show him taking the ball in tight spaces, turning to progress the ball, making forward passes or any of the other things he apparently rarely or never does.

There are no statistics for how many times he lets players run past him, or hides behind an opponent when we have possession so he can't get the ball. He's obviously a useful player for stretches. But he doesn't pass the eye test for me as a guy that will fight and take responsibility, so I think it's time to move on.

 

[chas vs dave]

There are no statistics for how many times he lets players run past him, or hides behind an opponent when we have possession so he can't get the ball. He's obviously a useful player for stretches. But he doesn't pass the eye test for me as a guy that will fight and take responsibility, so I think it's time to move on.

I'm going to pull you up on this. There has been a narrative that conte has specific patterns of play, and he expected Hojbjerg and Bissouma to follow these.

One of these was to drop deep to collect the ball. Do you think conte wouldn't have dropped him, if he didn't follow instruction? I doubt it

However, Bissouma apparently was poor because conte was forcing him to play against his natural game.

Surely the same could be said about Hojbjerg.

As for the hiding comment, I've seen him play through injury away to west ham, cover lots of space. I'm not sure he ever hides, and I think it's harsh to claim he is.

Do we need to get rid? No, however if the management want to sell him, then they need to be backed.

 

[BuckeyeSpurs11]

Can we agree that Hojbjerg has been a fine player, has his limitations but maxes out what he is able to do. He is upgradable football wise and his leadership will be missed but it’s not significant enough not to sell him. He has 2 years left on his deal, suitors and his value won’t be any higher than it is so given everything I’ve just said it makes perfect sense to sell him.

 

[SandroClegane]

I'm going to pull you up on this. There has been a narrative that conte has specific patterns of play, and he expected Hojbjerg and Bissouma to follow these.

One of these was to drop deep to collect the ball. Do you think conte wouldn't have dropped him, if he didn't follow instruction? I doubt it

However, Bissouma apparently was poor because conte was forcing him to play against his natural game.

Surely the same could be said about Hojbjerg.

As for the hiding comment, I've seen him play through injury away to west ham, cover lots of space. I'm not sure he ever hides, and I think it's harsh to claim he is.

Do we need to get rid? No, however if the management want to sell him, then they need to be backed.

He covers lots of space to make it look like he's working hard, but he pulls himself out of position.

He absolutely hides. Go rewatch our matches towards the back half of last season and just watch him play. He'll make a few passes to the CBs and then will run to a position behind a opposing player. It's maddening to watch.

He's a solid player, but he does not play the full 90 minutes. We absolutely burnt him out over the past three seasons, and he's a decent player for me. But the narrative of him being a viking that never quits is overblown for sure.

 

[DenverSpur]

View attachment 128284

Very similar players. One is worth 100m and the other people want gone for 15m

People see what they want to see!

 

[TheVoiceofReason]

So none of the other players who have played here for 3+ years have any faults it’s all on PEH?

Far from it. Absolutely fine with us shipping out and hopefully upgrading any of the 3+ crew out, apart from Kane.

 

[Trix]

I just don’t understand how the same people complaining about our turgid football over the last few years, saying we need to rebuild and be ruthless, want Hojbjerg to stick around.

Honestly, get rid, let’s move.

What I don't understand is when criticism is aimed at some players it's because of the coaching and tactics during that time, and with other players it's purely because they aren't good enough.

There must be a reason he's one of the very very few in the squad that actually has some interest from the big European clubs.

 

[yido_number1]

What I don't understand is when criticism is aimed at some players it's because of the coaching and tactics during that time, and with other players it's purely because they aren't good enough.

There must be a reason he's one of the very very few in the squad that actually has some interest from the big European clubs.

If they want someone to take the ball off the CBS and pass it back to them for 90 minutes he's their man. Athletico wanted Doherty, Barca took Paulinho. Doesn't make them good players. We've signed enough duds aswell.

 

[Trix]

If they want someone to take the ball off the CBS and pass it back to them for 90 minutes he's their man. Athletico wanted Doherty, Barca took Paulinho. Doesn't make them good players. We've signed enough duds aswell.

Doesn't do that for Denmark, however I'm not interested in getting into the is he shit or is he good debate.

I'm just asking how come it was all because of the coaching and instruction for some, and not for others?

 

[Spursmatty87]

Personally he’s a good player however, we are well stocked with players that are better or of similar ability in that position. Therefore if he’s sellable we should as I would rather keep Bissouma bents and skipp.

 

[FibreOpticJesus]

I just don’t understand how the same people complaining about our turgid football over the last few years, saying we need to rebuild and be ruthless, want Hojbjerg to stick around.

Honestly, get rid, let’s move.

I just don’t understand why the same people want to give Ndombele another chance and yet would rather get rid of one of the hardest dedicated players. There are a load more players I want gone before PEH.

 

[Roger S]

He will be missed in the same way Eriksen has been missed. He has bossed the midfield against Man City - but people forget quick. A new manager can give him a boost. I like him.

 

[TheVoiceofReason]

This debate’s going round in circles now.

…A biT liKE hOjBjeRg

 

[Blaugrana]

One big positive of PEH is that he's generally always available, 35 starts last season, 36 the one before and 38 before that. Maddison, Bentancur and Bissouma have all had injury issues, might it be worth keeping him as a reliable squad option?

Also in a 4-3-3 he shouldn't look like he's chasing ghosts out of possession whereas the 3-4-3 really did expose his lack of mobility.

 

[yido_number1]

Doesn't do that for Denmark, however I'm not interested in getting into the is he shit or is he good debate.

I'm just asking how come it was all because of the coaching and instruction for some, and not for others?

I guess with him if you compare him to bentancur there is a world of difference. Same position different results.

 

[stewartd]

Good bad or indifferent as a player it doesnt matter any more hes gone, and good luck to him for the future.

 

[worcestersauce]

I guess we will find out soon enough

The manager wants people who are committed to the cause and after last season and some of the shit he's taken I'd guess he's probably told the manager he no longer is.