Southampton: Just how integral is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Saints?
By Edward Waugh
Following the absence of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from the starting line-up against Burnley, the ill-taken captain’s impact was sorely missed in Saints’ Premier League opener for the 2019/20 season.
The dismantlement of Southampton during the 3-0 defeat against the Clarets showed the cracks within Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad selection and set-up, that weren’t so promonate during pre-season. Given that there was a 12-minute gap between conceding the first goal to the third, the mental prowess shown was extremely poor, and it can easily be stated that this was due to a lack of leadership in the squad.
The south-coast club has quite a relatively young squad, and against Burnley the starting line-up averaged at the age of 24.9 years old; with only one player above 30 in left-back Ryan Bertrand. It could be argued that the more experienced players such as Oriol Romeu, Danny Ings, Jannik Vestergaard and the mentioned Bertrand (all aged 27+), should be able to take charge of the team on-field when Hojbjerg is not capable of playing; what is a concern is this was not the case at Turf Moor on Saturday. Especially given that academy graduate James Ward-Prowse started the game with the armband, this question can be saved for a later date given that the Saints are only one game into the season thus far.
However it is testimony to Pierre’s character that he has retained his captaincy for this campaign, having recently reached the tender age of 24, and have been given the role of leading the team out onto the pitch at an even younger age last season; the Danish international is clearly a massive asset to Southampton; not just in his physical game, but mentally, he drives and spurts the squad on to compete at the it’s highest level.
This was evident due to the standard of the performance at the weekend, Ralph Hasenhuttl would’ve had to alter his game plan due to not having the midfielder’s ever-lasting engine and possibly swapped to the 5-2-3 from a possible 4-3-3 or 4-2-2-2; Jack Stephens being the notable introduction in Hojbjerg’s absence. To add, the former Bayern Munich-man would’ve been perfectly suited to such a physical game given his style of play; his player profile also mentions his strengths as aerial duels, ball interception, concentration and defensive contribution, all of which would’ve prevented a 3-0 sweep on the opening game week.
Southampton also fell apart mentally, especially after Jannik Vestergaard’s blunder to clear his line from a typical Burnley long-ball; the players never got a grip back into the game, defensive concentration was lost and commitment to put bodies on the line was very lacklustre. This line of thought was driven home with the third goal conceded, Southampton were disposed and Ryan Bertrand with a limp attempt of a tackle came off worse against Burnley’s Johann Gudmundsson, who then was allowed to drive at Angus Gunn and slot home impressively, not acceptable in today’s standard of game.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
Going Forward
Given the Southampton captain won’t be ill for the next Premier League outing (hopefully not jinxed), Hojbjerg will, and rightfully walk right into the starting line-up against Liverpool due to his leadership qualities and commitment to giving his all on the pitch. With his addition to the first-team, there should be some hope that other experienced players will help take the lead in organisation of the defence such as Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard, that’s if he is selected despite his crucial mistake in the opening game.
Southampton’s defensive woes have been an issue for sometime now, but with Pierre’s defensive contribution a big asset to his game, there could still be hope that against Liverpool the backline is more water-lock, especially with new defensive signing Kevin Danso yet to make his debut, having joined the south-coast club on transfer deadline-day.
With the introduction of Hojbjerg, Southampton will less likely be disposed off the ball; 16 times the ball was lost away from home in comparison to Burnley’s six, and although this could be down to the direct style of play that Hasenhuttl imposes on the team. To lose the ball on this many occasions is very lacklustre, especially against a long-ball side such as the Clarets, which with the introduction of the Saints captain could be rectified given his physicalness and concentration skillset against the European Champions.
Hojbjerg will also be walking into the first-team tasked with the job of helping the offensive side of Southampton’s game as having shot blanks on Saturday, Hasenhuttl’s men looked rather toothless despite much fan hype during pre-season with the acquisitions of Che Adams, Danny Ings and Moussa Djenepo, being coupled with Saints ‘Player of the Season’ Nathan Redmond. The Saints captain is considered to be a good finisher of the ball having scored four goals from a deeper midfield role last season, with this can also pick out a pass having posted three assists last campaign, his best return to date.
Since the Saints have better offensive options this campaign having got rid of deadwood, replacing them with the mentioned additions to the squad; Hojbjerg will have better opportunities to exploit space, whether that be with a through pass or lung-busting run into the box such as his ever-important goal against Brighton at the Amex Stadium last season. Moments like these are what the 24-year-old can offer, being the difference on the pitch and leading by example in the tough moments; and that’s why he is arguably Southampton’s most influential player.