My delight when we signed Pierre was pretty much unchecked. The 25-year-old was highly unlikely to be a huge hit with the average fan, more of an analyst’s wet dream as the Dane proudly adopts the role of arguably the most conscientious player on the park, the steel from which the other ten can constantly rely upon.
Phenomenal is about the right word. Do you remember those posters you could buy in the 90s, the ones where if you stared at them long enough, you could see the dolphins or whatever? If you stare at Hojbjerg’s heat map, after while, you can see the phrase, none shall pass.
A 96% passing accuracy in midfield is only possible to achieve in a Tottenham team if you’re Harry Winks, and most of your passing is best described as benign. What one gets from Pierre is total control of the ground. Look at the shape of his passes, its like an encampment of Roman soldiers.
I predicted that Hojbjerg would be an important signing, now my only concern is I didn’t appreciate just how important…
If you stare at it long enough this is what you see.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ejgzx-GXgAEMOk6?format=jpg&name=small
Gonna read your article after I say my piece about this guy.
Alot of ppl are talking about Thomas Partey.
A countryman of mine.
But this guy Hojbjerg is so important to our team.
He is a master at whst he does & he’s proving it already.
Long may it continue.
Can not wait for the two to meet in the London Derby.
Then Hojbjerg will get noticed more in a bigger stage.
I’m sorry guys but that 1 touch pass for Aurier’ goal was SPECIAL.
Made the goal alittle bit more special
Difference is there is no ‘ in NDombele – that’s why he’s so good!
Knows his job and does it very well.
Ndombelle?
I couldn’t agree more. Hojbjerg is a natural born leader, who just quietly goes about his business, snapping at the opposition’s heels and hoovering up the ball like a one man black hole! Going right back to Claude Makelele, who was his archetypal DM, Mourinho craves this kind of player in his system. The vital cog which allows the rest of the midfield to play. He’s also vocal and a bit like some of our past stalwarts (Robbo and Stevie P, come to mind), he gets stuck in to the opposition, he plays on the edge (ditto Lamela), he’s not a nice player.
Totally agree. Really strong presence in the middle. Just to add having just seen the full 90 that our B string right fullback Serge Aurier played a blinder as well. Not just the goal and assist, but covering across the back line when needed.
The only issue I can see is that he is going to get played a lot because we don’t have a natural replacement to be able to rotate him with without a detrimental effect on the team dynamic. The nearest is probably Oliver Skipp but he’s out on loan now.
Hopefully he’s broken the curse of the N’men.
Yep top, top CDM. Has passion and pride and bosses the middle of the park.
Certainly didn’t come from Levy as he’s not called N’Hojbjerg.
That’s why we performed so well, no Winksy holding things up for a minute whilst he decides whether to pass sideways or back.
My kind of player H. Absolutely committed and gives everything on the pitch. In the 2nd half at Utd he went on a run but lost his footing and fell forwards to the ground and still tried to head the ball away from the closing Utd defender! Meanwhile Dele was strolling about to not much effect.
He was phenomenal. That pass to Aurier too – beautiful!
Not only that but the way he talks in interviews inspires confidence in me. It seems obvious why he was Saints captain and can imagine he’s a really important voice in the dressing room. Can also see him becoming a good manager one day, he just seems to ‘get it’.
The best praise I can give him is “he’s no Harry Winks”
Some people didn’t appreciate how good a signing he was because none of the other top six were after him,and thought due to his price £15m he couldn’t be all that.He was exactly the type of player we needed and would have cost double had his contract not be running down.Southampton fans came on here and said they played better without him,a load of sour grapes inc Le Tiss who said he hasn’t progressed with them. Delighted he plays for us now,will be a fan favourite.
An incredible piece of scouting that must have only come from Mourinho
He’s much more than just a disruptive player, I totally underestimated his range of passing. He made Matic look like a confused robot and Fernandes had to be thrown a life saver b y half-time. What a great bit of scouting by Jose. Cheque book manager eh? It shows if you are looking the the right places, there is still value for money.
We won this one in midfield and he was the best of the midfield – so a MOTM shout is totally warranted, think he’s a gem the lad