Tottenham Hotspur transformed into ‘Toptenham’ by changing its starting lineup and taking first place in the English Premier League (EPL). However, last season's members must also perform well in times of emergency to cope with the crisis. Success story number 1 was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
On the 24th (Korean time), Tottenham won 2-0 over Fulham in the 9th round of the 2023-2024 EPL at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Tottenham, who added 3 points, returned to first place, beating the teams that played the 9th round first.
It was Hojbjerg’s first starting game. This season, Tottenham has been using Yves Bissouma and Pape Sar as a midfield combination. Hojbjerg, who had been substituted to fill the void left by Bissouma's dismissal in the previous game, appeared as a starter this time.
It was an important opportunity for Hojbjerg, who was Tottenham's regular starter until last season, to prove his worth. Hojbjerg could have gone to Fulham at the end of last summer's transfer window, but he reportedly rejected the offer and chose to stay at Tottenham.
He did not miss read more the opportunity to be selected. His 강남셔츠룸 performance was decent. Through forward pressure and interceptions, he created a fast break that led to the team scoring. Among local media outlets, 'Football London' and others featured him as the best player in the game.
After the game, coach Angie Postekoglou also left a favorable review, saying, "I think Pierre's performance was good. He did well every time he played. He used to come in in difficult situations, but he handled it well. I think he used his experience and performed well today as well."
If only certain players who fit the manager's tactics are active, surplus resources are created that are excluded and perform poorly, and the actual player base that can be used becomes thin. Coach Postekoglou has made major changes this season, but has shown that he can play well if a replacement player comes in. He also left words of encouragement for Hojbjerg. It was a significant performance in terms of maintaining physical condition and morale.
To date, Tottenham has seven players who have played as starters in all nine games. Center back duo Christian Romero and Mickey van der Pen are also active as starters in all games. If one of the two is missing, Eric Diana, who is behind the competition, or Ashley Phillips, an 18-year-old prospect, will have to play. Left-back Destiny Udogi and attacking trio Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and James Madison are also playing in all matches. There is also a need to keep players such as Emerson Royal in good condition, who can be utilized in their absence.