Denmark manager Brian Riemer has said that Rasmus Hojlund’s track record with the national team “speaks for itself,” as he explained why he called him up despite his woes at Manchester United.
Arguably no United player has endured a more troubling season on a personal level than Hojlund.
He is currently on a 20-game goal drought, having last found the back of the net in the Europa League group stage meeting with Viktoria Plzen.
In 37 games across all competitions this term, the 22-year-old has managed just seven goals and one assist. He has scored just twice in the Premier League.
Even beyond getting on the score sheet, Hojlund has struggled with the basics of leading the line, including holding up the ball and linking up play. However, Riemer still called Hojlund up for Denmark ahead of their upcoming fixtures this month.
Riemer spoke to Ekstra Bladet [via SportWitness] and indicated that Hojlund’s selection was not based on his United form over the past several weeks.
The 46-year-old coach said, “Rasmus Højlund’s form speaks for itself. I can’t say anything else, because you know the numbers.”
“I would prefer to select a team where the players are bursting with self-confidence and in top form. But sometimes you also have to compromise. My job is to find the balance of how many of those who are not in top form I can select.”
“I think Rasmus Højlund really benefits from coming here and getting some national love.”
Asked whether he’s worried by Hojlund’s situation at Old Trafford, Riemer answered, “I’m not worried at all. Rasmus is a strong character. I’ve been in close contact with him.”
“I’ve been in this game for many years. That’s football. It goes up and down. I don’t know any striker who hasn’t been in scoring crises.”
He added, “When he scored seven goals in six games in a row [last season for Manchester United], we were all ready with a 100-year contract. That’s football. Suddenly the boil pops up again, and then we’ve forgotten what happened.”
“Rasmus is an important part of our team. With the qualities he possesses in terms of scoring goals and participating in our pressing game, we are happy to have him with us for the two upcoming international matches.”
Riemer’s backing should certainly bode well for Hojlund as he aims to get his confidence back and start firing for the season run-in.
Featured Image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
