RASMUS HØJLUND: Not just a mini Haaland
A throwback CF with some pixie dust in his boots
Rasmus draws frequent comparisons with Erling Haaland, how can he not? Scandinavian origins, towering height, blonde hair and a killer instinct in front of goal. Even their names sound ominously similar. While Hojlund does share traits with the Manchester City man, he has folds to his game that make him stand out amongst the new litter of number nines coming our way.
STYLE OF PLAY
Hojlund is a fierce operator on the football pitch. His personality, like his height, domineers over the opposition. Every action is full of purpose driven by the sole intent of finding the back of the net. He has the legs and frame to match and is thus a naturally frightening outlet. The 20 year old swallows ground once he gets into stride and knows how to use his body to hold off chasing defenders.
The manner in which he throws his body around is reminiscent of old school number 9s who would be ready to die to see the net bulge. Like his Norwegian counterpart, Hojlund is a perennial nuisance in the box for defenders, always looking for the minutest of openings to barge through and pounce on an incoming ball.
The Danish forward has been deployed in a variety of roles by Gian Piero Gasperini and has consequently tasted development from a relatively wide platter. Isolated lone forward, tip of a front three, strike pairing with an AM behind. This has made him comfortable being both a low-touch defensive line “hugger” and a CF who drops between the lines to facilitate oncoming runners. In either scenario, his intent is always to bomb the box and finish the move himself.
What makes Hojlund so special though is his footwork and close control. For a 6'4 forward, the ease with which he can change direction and wriggle out of tight situations is astonishing. The Dane is unstirred when pressured or facing his man out wide. He will often run the channels and create separation from his defender before taking a pop.
Rasmus is a shockingly complete package for a 20 year old. Throughout a full ninety, you will see him display all the bits and pieces one would want from his centre forward. Occupying CBs, dropping deep to link play, attacking the channels, attacking space whether that’s making runs through the middle or waiting in the box for a ball from out wide. He loves to carry the ball into the box and is very much a dribble heavy CF, although he does use deft give and gos quite often.
Finally, he is an extremely hard worker who presses eagerly and constantly. He chases his man down with the same zeal he chases the ball and can easily be utilised as the primary presser in a 4–4–2 or 4–4–1–1.
STRENGTHS
Ballstriking- Finds the net in a myriad of different ways. Strikes the ball hard and true with lovely shape of the body. Consistently puts away the simple chances and converts “half chances” with impressive regularity as well.
Movement- Displays maturity far beyond his years when probing and prodding at the opposition backline. Rarely caught offside and sniffs out gaps in defence to an elite level. Fearless when attacking the ball and is not afraid of putting his body on the line.
Dribbling- Excellent close control and burst of pace. Superior agility given his height allows him to create a yard, hold off his man and execute the final action.
Mentality- Takes responsibility in attack and never looks lost on the pitch. Decisive in his actions and extremely forward looking. Has a fiery streak within him, channels it well in duels and while protecting the ball.
AREAS TO IMPROVE
Aerial Ability- For someone his height, Hojlund is nothing special in the air. Can execute basic actions that one would expect from their CF but does not bully defenders in the air. Can definitely improve over time and become a better box threat from dead ball situations and otherwise.
Passing Range- Does not possess a deep locker of passes or an expansive range. Limited to the basics, definitely not a lock picker in the final third by way of passing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you know when and where to move, can hit a ball well and are willing to burn steam all game, you can be a more than serviceable forward at the top level. Hojlund ticks all these boxes then adds elusive feet and close control to the mix. Looking at the tools at his disposal, his maturity, work ethic and the way he approaches the game; it is very hard to imagine him not being an established forward at a top European club.
Is he the finished product? No. But he is not far off either. A fixed role, regular minutes and consistent personnel around him will allow for him to be “blinkered”. He can then whittle away at his pre-existing base and get closer to his final version: A ruthless finisher in front of goal who not only converts most of what is sent his way but can also fashion goals on his own. Net positive in buildup and a threat in every zone around the box, he’ll be the one attracting double and triple teams. The biggest compliment an attacker can get.
Thank you if you made it this far :)
