James Maw believes Tottenham players were trying to avoid passing the ball to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Hojbjerg has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou who has not been impressed enough by the Dane.
Hojbjerg has seen his standing within the squad undergo a transformation under the stewardship of manager Ange Postecoglou, who appears less than impressed with the player’s contributions. While the seasoned manager has established his first-choice midfield pairing in the form of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, the situation presented an intriguing twist when Bissouma’s suspension against Luton paved the way for Hojbjerg to take the field against Fulham.
In this unexpected turn of events, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg delivered an outstanding performance, proving that he was more than capable of deputizing for Bissouma. His defensive prowess and ability to marshal the midfield demonstrated his value to the team. However, keen observers like James Maw couldn’t help but notice a peculiar behavior among some of Hojbjerg’s teammates. It appeared that certain players were actively avoiding passing the ball to him.
Maw, while discussing the 28-year-old midfielder, made a revealing statement regarding this intriguing dynamic, saying, “Yeah, there were a couple of moments when you could see the centre-backs looking to play out and then realize it was [Pierre-Emile] Hojberg and then kind of reshape and then play a slightly different pass.” This observation highlights a subtle but significant change in the team’s approach.
Maw’s insights shed light on a broader theme in the world of professional football – the delicate balance between competition and camaraderie within a team. Despite the concerns regarding playing time, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s exceptional performance provided a clear message to those on the fringe of the squad. It serves as a reminder that opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and a player’s dedication and skill can shine through even after a prolonged period without a start.
Yet, the story takes an intriguing twist as the transfer market beckons. Due to his reduced playing time, Hojbjerg has been linked with a move away from Tottenham in the upcoming January window. Clubs like Juventus and Atletico Madrid are reportedly showing keen interest in securing his services. However, the decision to let him go may not be straightforward for Tottenham, as the club currently faces a scarcity of options in midfield.
The impending absence of Bissouma and Sarr, who are expected to be away for up to six weeks due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), further complicates the situation. Hojbjerg’s reliability and experience make him a valuable asset in a time when Tottenham could ill-afford to lose depth in their midfield.