According to a recent report by The Athletic (subscription required), Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is keeping a keen eye on Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg, who has just over a year left in his contract with Southampton. The same source has also revealed that the Italian tactician is a big admirer of the Danish midfielder’s talents and it is almost sure that the player won’t pen a new deal at the St. Mary’s Stadium which could open the door for the Toffees to reignite their interest in acquiring his services this summer.
Höjbjerg’s Impressive Spell At Southampton So Far
Höjbjerg has experienced another solid season in the Premier League after putting in a series of battling displays at the heart of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s midfield. He has made 33 appearances for the Saints this term and has one assist to his name on all fronts. The Denmark international has primarily been used as a defensive midfielder which explains his lack of productivity going forward.
The 24-year-old has averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 1.5 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season (stats via whoscored). Höjbjerg’s stats highlight his growing influence at both ends of the field which has made him such a fan-favourite at the South-coast club.
The Kopenhagen-born talent has also secured 33 senior caps for the Denmark national team while registering three goals for his country in the process. He will once again be expected to play a crucial role for his nation in next year’s UEFA European Championship finals after the competition got delayed until the end of next season due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
What Are The Southampton Skipper’s Best Attributes?
Höjbjerg lacks pace, but he more than makes for it by using his strength to outmuscle the opposition at the centre of the park. He displays incredible defensive awareness to scan the danger quickly and make some vital interceptions for his side. The Danish midfield ace is also not shy of working his socks off for the benefit of his teammates and can also create some decent chances going forward. He packs a lot of venom with his shot attempts but does not score enough goals from midfield.
Is Höjbjerg The Right Choice For The Toffees?
A midfielder of Höjbjerg’s skillset will not only add more bite and steel to Ancelotti’s midfield but also enhance the overall quality of his squad. He will arguably be an upgrade over Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin at Goodison Park. Plus, the Danish playmaker will also provide some healthy competition for Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, Gylfi Sigurðsson and Jean-Philippe Gbamin in the race to secure a regular starting berth at Merseyside.
Höjbjerg’s defensive prowess, coupled with his ability to create plays for others around him, make him a decent option for the Toffees to consider in this off-season. A player of his technical quality will undeniably be a welcome addition to Ancelotti’s squad before the start of the new campaign as he will help the Merseysiders bridge the gap to the Premier League’s big spenders in the years to come.
