“It’s now my turn”: Tottenham man Hojbjerg reveals the reason why he snubbed Christian Eriksen this week during their 2:0 win against Faroe Islands [Full story link in comment]
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg captained Denmark for the first time this week as the Tottenham midfielder helped his nation beat the Faroe Islands to win 2-0 – snubbing Christian Eriksen in the process.
The 28-year-old Tottenham midfielder won his 75th cap on Tuesday night as the Danes eased to a 2-0 friendly win. It was a bit of an experimental Denmark side fielded, along with the experienced Hojbjerg.
There was no Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer of Manchester United man Eriksen – who of course played 305 times for Tottenham in the space of seven years between 2013 and 2020. He came on at half-time.
Hojbjerg, who is struggling for game time at Spurs and made it clear he is not happy with his current situation under Ange Postecoglou, opened the scoring after being given the Denmark captain’s armband.
Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg captains country for first time
The first time he has captained his country given the presence of such leaders like Schmeichel, Kjaer and Eriksen – in what was his 75th cap, and then scoring. A brilliant night for Hojbjerg, as Denmark won 2-0.
Of course, with Eriksen entering the field of play at half-time, it might have been that the Man United man was given the armband at half-time. But Hojbjerg kept it as the players came out for the second 45.
Speaking to Danish outlet Bold, Hojbjerg – who is being strongly linked with a move to Juventus in the summer for a figure of £17m – was asked if he had any intention of giving the armband to Eriksen.
“I am proud and today my heart is filled with joy,” Hojbjerg said, as per Bold. “Of course I didn’t [give Eriksen the captain’s armband]. If it’s my turn, then it’s my turn. The others will be allowed next time.”
What next for Tottenham’s Hojbjerg, as Euro 2024 draws closer
Hojbjerg will remain at Spurs until the summer but the chances are he will be leaving the London club – the only question being whether he an exit will come before or after Euro 2024 – or even, during it.
Of course, Hojbjerg and Denmark have been drawn in the same greoup as England – with Serbia and Slovenia also in Group C. He might have left England by the chance he faces Gareth Southgate’s side.
A solid midfielder, Hojbjerg could never provide the energy and speed in midfield required to play in a Postecoglou side. Indeed, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are preferred by the Aussie manager.
Hojbjerh is unlikelto get much of a chance before Euro 2024 starts, but injury could change that. However, it is easy to argue that he has at least started his last game for Tottenham ahead of the summer window.
