Kasper Hjulmand, the manager of Denmark’s national football team, remains optimistic about Rasmus Hojlund’s recent scoring drought, attributing it to a temporary phase rather than a cause for concern. Hojlund, who was acquired by Manchester United from Atalanta for £72 million in the summer of 2013, was seen as a promising forward destined to become one of Europe’s top scorers.
Although Hojlund faced a slow start in the Premier League, not scoring his first goal until December, he enjoyed a prolific spell in 2024, ending the season with an impressive tally of 16 goals across all competitions. His debut year in England proved successful, setting high expectations for his role in Denmark’s squad at the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer.
During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the 21-year-old played a pivotal role, scoring seven goals to help Denmark secure the top spot in their group. Despite this achievement, Hojlund has only managed to score once in his last eight international appearances. Addressing concerns over Hojlund’s recent goal-scoring record, Manager Hjulmand reassured, “It comes in phases when it comes to goals. There will be times when you go through a phase of scoring lots of goals.”
Highlighting Hojlund’s overall impact on the field, Hjulmand emphasized his consistent ability to make a difference despite goal-scoring challenges. “Rasmus consistently leaves a significant impression in every game. He remains exceptionally dangerous and determined, which is crucial,” Hjulmand added, suggesting that goals will come with persistence and effort.
Despite his recent goal-scoring struggles for Denmark, Hojlund is set to start in their first Euro 2024 match against Slovenia on Sunday afternoon, underscoring the team’s faith in his abilities. Meanwhile, another key figure in Denmark’s lineup, Christian Eriksen, reflected on his recovery from a cardiac arrest suffered during a match in 2021, during a press conference ahead of the tournament.
“It’s been three years, and a lot has happened since then, so honestly, I don’t think about it daily,” Eriksen shared with reporters. “I focus on the positives and how excited I am to play football.” Eriksen expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and the positive turn of events since the incident, notably Denmark’s impressive journey to the semi-finals of the previous European Championship.
Looking ahead, Eriksen acknowledged that after the European Championship concludes, he will have one year remaining on his contract with Manchester United and hinted at considering his future beyond Old Trafford. Since joining United on a free transfer in 2022, Eriksen has already made 72 appearances for the club, contributing significantly to their midfield strength.
As Denmark prepares for their Euro 2024 campaign, both Hojlund and Eriksen embody key narratives within the team – the promise of emerging talent and the resilience of a seasoned player who has overcome adversity. Their performances in the tournament will not only shape Denmark’s prospects but also influence their respective paths in club football moving forward.