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Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has had a relatively successful loan spell in Italy this season.
United career
The Dane struggled massively in a red shirt, scoring just 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils.
He joined the club in 2023 from Atalanta, but with the signing of Benjamin Sesko in the summer, it was decided he would be loaned out.
Hojlund has found a decent level of form in Italy for SSC Napoli, scoring 12 goals in all competitions for the Southern Italians.
He was poor at the weekend, however, as I Partenopei fell to a 1-2 defeat to Atalanta BC.
Thoughts on Naples
Hojlund gave an interview to Italian paper Il Mattino and is clearly happy with his choice to move to Italy.
Commenting on life in the Southern Italian city, he said, “I’m not in the centre, but I’m dying to explore the alleys and heart of Naples, but I know it won’t be easy to get around. I sense the incredible energy the city exudes.”
He continued, “I can feel it every moment – its vitality and personality are everywhere, not just at Maradona when we play. It’s an underestimated city, not even a little dangerous, despite so many rumours from afar.”
Streaky form
Much like the forward’s time at Old Trafford, his goals have come in clusters rather than being evenly spread out.
When discussing this, the 23-year-old stated, “I’m like ketchup. When the sauce doesn’t come out, you’re there, struggling to get it out, then suddenly it all comes out at once. It’s the same when you don’t score for a long time. It’s an incredible joy to score, but when the team and the coach believe in you, the goal is like a flower that has to bloom, it’s just a matter of time.”
Antonio Conte effect
Hojlund also had kind words for his current boss, Antonio Conte, and hinted that he now has a manager capable of getting the best out of him.
He claimed, “when I was in Bergamo, I was impatient; I wanted to get everything done quickly. I pressed constantly, as if I didn’t have a second chance. Now I manage my energy better; Conte guides me consistently. I always press hard because that’s what the coach asks of me, but I try to conserve my energy so I can use it at the right time.”
Finally, Hojlund claimed that his side’s Super Cup win at the turn of the year demonstrated that he made the right choice to go to Napoli in the summer.
Rasmus Hojlund stats vs Atalanta
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.04 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.01 |
| Total shots | 1 |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Shots blocked | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 |
| Touches | 35 |
| Unsuccessful touches | 3 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 3 (2) |
| Was fouled | 2 |
| Possession lost | 13 |
| Total carrying distance | 78.9 m |
| Carries | 10 |
| Progressive carries | 2 |
| Total progression | 39.1 m |
| Progressive carrying distance | 22.2 m |
| Longest progressive carry | 13.7 m |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 0 (0) |
| Accurate passes | 16/22 (73%) |
| Passes in opposition half (acc.) | 8/13 (62%) |
| Passes in own half (acc.) | 8/9 (89%) |
| Def. contributions | 0 |
| Tackles (won) | 0 (0) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 0 |
| Recoveries | 1 |
| Ground duels (won) | 8 (4) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 9 (3) |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
Source: Sofascore
Featured image Marco M. Mantovani via Getty Images
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