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13th April 2024; St James' Park, Newcastle, England; Premier League Football, Newcastle United versus Tottenham Hotspur; Pierre Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur organises his team mates. Credit: Vagelis Georgariou / Action Plus

Player Profile: Pierre Emile Hojbjerg

Full Name: Pierre-Emile Kordt Højbjerg

Age: 28 (as of 2024)

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Position: Central Midfielder

National Team: Denmark

Characteristics

Strengths

  • Leadership and Tenacity: Højbjerg is known for his leadership on the field, often acting as a commanding presence in midfield. His tenacity and fighting spirit are key traits that motivate his teammates.
  • Defensive Awareness: Excelling in defensive duties, he is proficient at breaking up play and possesses strong tackling abilities.
  • Passing Accuracy: Reliable in possession, Højbjerg has a high pass completion rate which helps in maintaining control of the game and setting the pace of play.

Weaknesses

  • Mobility: While positionally sound, he may lack the pace to recover quickly in transition or keep up with faster attacking players.
  • Offensive Creativity: While solid and dependable, he is not typically known for creative offensive output or scoring many goals.

Style of Play

  • Offensive Contributions: Højbjerg’s role in offense is primarily focused on maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively. He helps in setting up the play from deeper positions but seldom ventures into the final third.
  • Defensive Role: He plays a crucial role in shielding the backline, intercepting passes, and disrupting the opponents’ attacking movements. His positional sense allows him to cover large areas of the midfield defensively.

Performance

  • Offensively: Acts as a pivot in midfield, facilitating ball movement and helping maintain possession to dictate the tempo of the game.
  • Defensively: Known for his robust approach, Højbjerg is essential in breaking down opposition plays and recovering the ball. His physicality and ability to read the game add a significant defensive layer to his team.

National Team Contributions

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is a regular starter for the Denmark national team, bringing his experience and midfield stability to the international stage. His performances are consistently solid, contributing both defensively and as a team leader. He recently captained his side to a victory against Faroe Islands.

Contract Status

  • Current Contract Ends: 2025
  • Contract Details: Højbjerg’s contract with Tottenham Hotspur is set to expire in 2025. His ongoing impact at the club and future negotiations will likely determine whether he will extend his stay or explore new opportunities.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s role at Tottenham Hotspur and the Danish national team highlights his value as a central midfielder known for his defensive capabilities, leadership, and consistency. His presence in the midfield is pivotal in providing balance and stability, making him one of the key figures in both his club and national team setups. As he approaches the latter stages of his current contract, his performance will be crucial in shaping his career trajectory and future opportunities.

Performance During 2023–2024 Season

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg had a solid 2023–2024 season with Tottenham Hotspur, contributing significantly to the team’s midfield both defensively and offensively. Known for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Højbjerg’s presence was crucial throughout the season.

Højbjerg played in 36 Premier League matches, showcasing his durability and consistency. One of his notable performances came in Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United, where he controlled the midfield effectively, contributing to the team’s dominance in that match. His defensive skills were on display as he frequently disrupted the opposition’s plays and regained possession for his team.

Throughout the season, Højbjerg maintained a high level of performance, earning praise for his ability to link defense and attack. His passing accuracy and ability to make critical interceptions were vital for Spurs, particularly in tight matches where control of the midfield was essential. For example, in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, Højbjerg’s performance was pivotal in maintaining the team’s structure and flow.

Despite some challenging matches, including losses to Newcastle and Arsenal, Højbjerg’s overall contributions were consistent. His leadership on the field and experience were key factors in helping Tottenham navigate the ups and downs of the Premier League season. He also played a significant role in Denmark’s qualification for Euro 2024, further demonstrating his international pedigree.

Højbjerg’s season statistics highlight his importance to Tottenham’s midfield. He provided crucial support in both defensive and offensive phases, often being the player who transitioned the ball from defense to attack seamlessly. His work rate and tactical awareness were consistently praised by fans and analysts alike.

Overall, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s 2023–2024 season with Tottenham Hotspur was marked by reliability, leadership, and key contributions in critical matches. His performances underscored his value to the team and highlighted his role as a central figure in Tottenham’s midfield strategy.