Tottenham Hotspur midfielder making his mark at Euro 2020

Should Hojberg be granted more freedom to roam at Tottenham?

It’s definitely an interesting thought, one that is loaded with complexities. Hojberg isn’t solely a rough-and-tumble footballer. The Dane knows how to play, something he has shown repeatedly at Euro 2020. However, he needs to partner another defensive-minded central midfielder in order to be provided more of a license to advance.

Tottenham have tried and failed to employ a system with two defensive central midfielders. Hojberg and Moussa Sissoko didn’t enjoy any success as a defensive tandem. Other than Sissoko, Spurs have no other pure defensive midfield options. And therein lies the problem.

Spurs would have to find another defensive central midfielder to accompany Hojberg. Unfortunately the north London club has too many other current priorities to  give this option the credence it deserves.

Denmark employ a system of three at the back, which Tottenham have also attempted. Denmark’s 3-4-2-1 works because of their strength in the middle of the park. Hojberg and Delaney play in front of Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjær and Jannik Vestergaard, who form a formidable spine.

Tottenham require another strong centre back, in supplement of Toby Alderweireld and Joe Rodon, and a defensive central midfielder to mirror Hojberg’s role with Denmark. Nuno Espirito Santo, the frontrunner to land Tottenham’s manager role, favours a similar system to the one Denmark employs. So in theory it could be entirely possible to see Spurs line up in a similar fashion.

Though there are too many unknowns and other priorities currently impeding Tottenham’s path to making this formation and system a reality. For now, Spurs supporters will have to be satisfied with Hojberg’s defensive work. Though he is obviously capable of more.