RASMUS HOJLUND’S first coach is full of praise for his former player, but admits Nicklas Bendtner was more talented.
Danish starlet Hojlund joined Manchester United this summer for £72million after an impressive campaign last season at Atalanta.
The hardworking centre-forward showed glimpses of promise when he made is debut in a 23 minute cameo against Arsenal.
And it’s a former Gunner, and compatriot, that he has been compared to by his first coach.
Christian Mouroux, of minnows Horsholm-Usserod Idraetsklub in North Zealand, Denmark, knows Hojlund well after working with him from the age of 12 and has compared him to ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner.
Mouroux, who himself followed Hojlund to Brondby as a coach, said: “A good comparison can be made to the other rising superstar we had in Nicklas Bendtner.
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“They are both number nines, both very physical and have this twinkle in the eye. They are humorous, outgoing and cheeky.”
But despite the comparison, Mouroux doesn’t think Hojlund is quite as gifted as Bendtner.
He explained: “Bendtner was probably a more naturally-gifted footballer but that perhaps made him take things more lightly and get influenced by everything that affects you from the outside when you become a superstar.
“Rasmus is completely different. Although I’m sure he will probably buy a bigger car and has a nice watch, it will not blow out of proportion.
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“He has the right mentality for it. He is so disciplined. He is very aware of what hard work does for you and it’s hard work that has brought him to where he is today.”
Bendtner garnered himself a reputation in England of being a flashy star who splashed the cash and regularly found himself in the news and even earned himself the nickname “Lord Bendtner”.
But he still had an impressive career making 171 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 47 goals and registering a further 22 assists.
Manchester United fans will be hoping Hojlund can go a step further than Bendtner and help them return to their former glory.
And Mouroux has no doubt that the youngster can shoulder the pressure to achieve big things at Old Trafford.
He said: “Rasmus has never been an arrogant person. But he has always been extremely confident and, more than that, extremely focused.
“If anyone can, I would say it is Rasmus who can cope with that pressure.”
After a successful international break helping to steer Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualification hopes back on track, Hojlund will be looking to translate his national team form on to the pitch for Erik ten Hag.
He will be hoping to get his first start for the Red Devils when they host Brighton on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
